Great Grandmother'S Cookies

Prep: 180 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Traditional gingerbread cookies with a rich molasses flavor, perfect for holiday baking and sharing with family and friends, offering a warm, spicy taste and nostalgic aroma.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 3 tablespoons hot water
  • 1/4 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients well.
  2. Chill the dough for several hours.
  3. Roll out the dough.
  4. Cut into desired shapes.
  5. Sprinkle with sugar.
  6. Bake in a moderate 375°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more intense flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of regular. If you need a substitute for shortening, coconut oil can work well, although it may slightly alter the texture. Ensure you mix the dough thoroughly to avoid any clumps of dry ingredients. If you prefer a spicier cookie, add an extra half teaspoon of ginger or cinnamon. These cookies can also be made into sandwich cookies with frosting in between.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for festive occasions and pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside Western Sandwiches for a delightful snack platter. For an added touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tasty dessert. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, allow them to thaw at room temperature. If you desire a warm cookie, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or briefly reheat in the oven.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Great Grandmother'S Cookies contains roughly 456 calories, with 8g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 937mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).

456 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.6g 15% DV
Total Fat 8.1g 10% DV
Carbs 90.9g 33% DV
Fiber 4.5g 16% DV
Sugar 4.4g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 937.1mg 41% DV
Potassium 658.2mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 195.7mg 65% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 52.7mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 22.2mg 25% DV
Calcium 252.1mg 19% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Egg

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 a richer flavor, or use alternatives like coconut sugar or maple syrup, keeping in mind that the texture may vary slightly. If using liquid sweeteners, reduce the amount of molasses to maintain the right consistency.

What if my dough is too sticky to roll out?

If the dough is too sticky, try chilling it for a longer period, as this will firm it up. You can also dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to help manage stickiness. If needed, add a small amount of flour to the dough until it's easier to handle.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?

Absolutely! Adding nuts or chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies. Just fold them in gently after mixing the initial ingredients. Keep in mind that adding ingredients may change the baking time slightly, so watch them closely while they bake.

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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