Great Aunt Wilda'S Molasses Sugar Cookies
These spiced molasses sugar cookies offer warm, aromatic flavors with a chewy texture, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the shortening in a 3 or 4-quart saucepan over low heat.
- Allow the melted shortening to cool.
- Add sugar, molasses, and beaten egg; beat well until combined.
- Add flour, baking soda, spices, and salt to the mixture.
- Beat the mixture well until smooth.
- Make 1-inch balls of dough and roll them in sugar.
- Place the balls on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 375°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of regular. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute with half butter and half oil. To ensure even baking, make sure to space the cookie balls well on the sheet. Avoid overbaking; the cookies should be soft in the center when you take them out. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, just like Aunt Mildred's 7-Up Jello Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious molasses sugar cookies with a glass of cold milk or alongside a warm cup of tea for a cozy treat. They also pair nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. If you're hosting a festive gathering, these cookies will complement a spread that includes favorites like Oreo Cookie Bar and Cheesy Chicken And Green Bean Casserole (Low Carb).
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies; just layer them with parchment paper and seal them in a freezer bag. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to regain their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Aunt Wilda'S Molasses Sugar Cookies contains roughly 99 calories, with 2g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 experiment with alternatives like brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that these substitutes may affect the texture slightly. If using liquid sweeteners, reduce the molasses accordingly to maintain the right dough consistency.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to form into balls. You can also add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a manageable consistency.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it. Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
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).