Granny Horton'S Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Old-fashioned molasses cookies with warm spices and rich flavor, perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday treats, offering a chewy texture and aromatic taste.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup margarine
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 1/4 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger

Instructions

  1. Mix molasses, margarine, sugar, and beaten egg together.
  2. Beat well until combined.
  3. Combine allspice, cinnamon, ginger, soda, and flour, then add to the molasses mixture.
  4. Mix until smooth. Chill the dough.
  5. Roll into 1-inch balls and coat in sugar.
  6. Place on a greased cookie sheet, spacing two inches apart.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until cookies are set.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar in your cookie dough. If you prefer a vegan version, substitute margarine with coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Serving Suggestions

These molasses cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. Consider serving them alongside Aunt Beth's Cornbread for a comforting dessert spread or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They make an excellent addition to holiday cookie platters.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover molasses cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them soft. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Granny Horton'S Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies contains roughly 79 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

79 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.5g 3% DV
Total Fat 1.4g 2% DV
Carbs 15.4g 6% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 268.5mg 12% DV
Potassium 88mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 21.2mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1.1mg 1% DV
Calcium 44.3mg 3% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
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 in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for the molasses, but this will alter the flavor and texture slightly. If using honey, reduce the sugar to maintain sweetness. Keep in mind that molasses gives these cookies their distinct flavor, so adjustments may be needed to achieve a similar taste.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky to roll into balls, try chilling it for an additional 15-30 minutes. If it's still sticky after chilling, gradually add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the cookies tough.

How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when they are set around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Be careful not to overbake, as they can become hard. For a softer cookie, take them out at the lower end of the baking time, around 8 minutes.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →