Grandpa Hawley'S Molasses Cookies

Prep: 60 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 72 Cuisine: American

Grandpa Hawley's Molasses Cookies offer rich, warm spices with a chewy texture, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons, appealing to cookie lovers of all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons hot water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 5 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 3 teaspoons soda
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup raisins (optional)
  • 1 cup pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Grease your hands with margarine to handle the dough.
  3. Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on a cookie sheet.
  4. Flatten each ball to 1/2-inch thickness by pressing down.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9 to 12 minutes until golden.
  6. Allow cookies to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the molasses with honey or maple syrup. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used instead, but the texture may vary slightly. Chilling the dough is crucial; it helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors. Adding a pinch of allspice can also elevate the spice profile.

Serving Suggestions

These molasses cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. For an interesting twist, serve them alongside a Cheese Ball(With Green Peppers And Pimientos) as part of a snack platter. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie exchanges or gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandpa Hawley'S Molasses Cookies contains roughly 1597 calories, with 32g protein, 297g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (73% of the Daily Value), protein (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

1597 kcal 80% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 32.1g 64% DV
Total Fat 34.9g 45% DV
Carbs 297g 100% DV
Fiber 16.3g 58% DV
Sugar 40.6g 81% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 1433.6mg 31% DV
Cholesterol 76.4mg 25% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 148.8mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 25.3mg 28% DV
Calcium 466mg 36% DV
Iron 13.1mg 73% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will help bind the ingredients while keeping the cookies moist.

How can I make these cookies softer?

To achieve a softer cookie, slightly reduce the baking time and ensure you do not overmix the dough. Additionally, adding a bit more molasses or including an extra tablespoon of butter can create a softer texture.

What can I use instead of pecans?

If you prefer not to use pecans, walnuts or almonds are great alternatives that will still provide a nice crunch. For a nut-free option, consider adding chocolate chips or dried cranberries for added flavor and texture.

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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