Dora'S Molasses Cookies

Prep: 720 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Dora's Molasses Cookies are rich, warmly spiced treats with deep molasses sweetness and aromatic spices like ginger, allspice, cloves, and cinnamon. Their crisp edges and chewy centers make them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons, appealing to those who love traditional, flavorful cookies with a nostalgic touch.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup lard
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups molasses
  • 1 teaspoon soda, dissolved in a little hot water
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Add enough flour to the mixture to make it stiff enough to roll out.
  2. Chill the dough overnight.
  3. Roll the dough real thin.
  4. Cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters.
  5. Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes on a greased cookie sheet.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer texture, consider reducing the amount of lard slightly or substituting part of it with butter. If you prefer a molasses-forward flavor, increase the molasses by a couple of tablespoons. Make sure to chill the dough adequately, as this helps with rolling out and shaping. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these molasses cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside a fruit salad or a light salad like Barberton Coleslaw to balance the sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through, which helps restore their original texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dora'S Molasses Cookies contains roughly 284 calories, with 2g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1112mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).

284 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2g 4% DV
Total Fat 2.3g 3% DV
Carbs 31.5g 11% DV
Fiber 6.5g 23% DV
Sugar 8.9g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1111.7mg 48% DV
Potassium 328.9mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 1.5mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1mcg
Vitamin C 22.3mg 25% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 131.8mg 10% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 fat instead of lard?

Yes, you can substitute lard with butter or coconut oil for a different flavor and texture. Keep in mind that using butter may result in a slightly softer cookie, while coconut oil will add a subtle coconut flavor.

How can I make these cookies spicier or more flavorful?

To add more spice, increase the quantities of ginger, cinnamon, or allspice to your taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat, or try incorporating citrus zest for a refreshing twist.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky to roll out, gradually add more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the cookies tough. Chilling the dough can also help reduce stickiness.

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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