Grandma'S Soft Molasses Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Grandma's Soft Molasses Cookies boast warm spices and rich molasses flavors, offering a chewy, tender texture perfect for holiday treats or cozy afternoons. Their aromatic spice blend and deep molasses sweetness make them a timeless favorite for all ages, pairing wonderfully with a glass of milk or tea.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups shortening
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 6 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup dark molasses
  • 1 cup cold black coffee

Instructions

  1. Cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the beaten eggs and mix well.
  3. Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, allspice, ginger, and cinnamon.
  4. Mix the dark molasses and cold black coffee together.
  5. Alternately add the coffee mixture and the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, mixing after each addition.
  6. Roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness on a floured surface.
  7. Cut into desired shapes and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until edges are set.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer texture, reduce the flour slightly or add a tablespoon of milk. You can substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist. If you prefer a spicier cookie, increase the ginger and cinnamon. To save time, consider using a stand mixer for creaming the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these molasses cookies with a glass of cold milk or alongside a warm cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. They also pair beautifully with Fresh Razzle-Berry Pie (Heritage Recipe) for a comforting dessert spread. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat individual cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Soft Molasses Cookies contains roughly 549 calories, with 0g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 468mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).

549 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.4g 1% DV
Total Fat 60.1g 77% DV
Carbs 4.5g 2% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 467.7mg 20% DV
Potassium 42.5mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 0.6mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.2mcg
Vitamin C 5.5mg 6% DV
Calcium 53.2mg 4% DV
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly
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 sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar to enhance the molasses flavor. Alternatively, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute suitable for baking, keeping in mind that sweetness levels may vary.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to roll out, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to handle. Alternatively, you can add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a wonderful crunch and flavor. If you prefer chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate chips work well with the spicy molasses flavor. Just fold them in gently after combining the wet and dry ingredients.

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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