Cry Babies (Molasses Cookies)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Cry Babies Molasses Cookies offer warm, spicy flavors with rich molasses and aromatic spices, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy baking moments enjoyed by all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 2 tsp ginger
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp soda
  • 1 cup hot strong coffee
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vinegar
  • 5 1/4 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening, brown sugar, and molasses together.
  2. Add eggs, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla; beat well.
  3. Mix soda into the hot strong coffee and stir in vinegar.
  4. Add salt and flour to the mixture and blend well.
  5. Drop by teaspoons onto a greased cookie sheet.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer texture, consider reducing the flour slightly or adding a tablespoon of milk. You can substitute apple sauce for half of the shortening for a lighter version. If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the ginger and cinnamon by half a teaspoon each. Make sure to properly cream the shortening and sugars to ensure a light cookie. This recipe can also be adapted to include chocolate chips for a sweet twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, consider serving them with your favorite holiday dessert, like the Trifle Spectacular or a slice of pie from the Greatest Pie Crust recipe.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Cry Babies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer them soft, place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture. To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm, or place in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cry Babies (Molasses Cookies) contains roughly 169 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 15g fat.

169 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.9g 2% DV
Total Fat 14.6g 19% DV
Carbs 8.5g 3% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 5.2g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 370.7mg 16% DV
Potassium 46.2mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 7.5mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 35.7mg 3% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or a mixture of white sugar and molasses to mimic the flavor. However, this might slightly alter the texture and taste of the cookies, so adjust accordingly.

Can I freeze the dough for later use?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This is a great way to enjoy fresh cookies anytime!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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