Great Gramma Smith'S Molasses Cookies
Golden, spicy molasses cookies with a tender crumb and rich flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with a warm cup of tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, salt, ginger, molasses, and shortening in a mixing bowl.
- Dissolve the baking soda in warm water and add to the mixture.
- Add sifted flour gradually and mix until well combined.
- Let the dough stand until thoroughly cold.
- Roll the dough into balls.
- Bake at 350°F until done, approximately 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using dark molasses instead of light. If you want to cut back on sugar, consider reducing it by 1/4 cup, as the molasses provides sweetness too. If you don’t have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. Be sure to keep the dough chilled before rolling to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
These molasses cookies are delightful on their own but can be served with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. They pair beautifully with Date Pecan Balls for a sweet spread. Consider serving them alongside a warm cup of spiced tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Gramma Smith'S Molasses Cookies contains roughly 131 calories, with 0g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 554mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
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 shortening?
Yes, you can replace shortening with unsalted butter for a more traditional flavor. However, keep in mind that using butter may result in a slightly different texture, making the cookies a bit softer.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can cut down the sugar by 1/4 cup or use unsweetened applesauce as a partial substitute for the molasses. This will also add moisture without overly sweetening the cookies.
Can I add other spices to the dough?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. A teaspoon of each can complement the ginger nicely, giving your cookies a more complex flavor profile.
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).