Honey Drops
Honey Drops are rich, spicy cookies with deep molasses flavor, complemented by a tender texture and sweet icing, perfect for holiday treats or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and brown sugar together.
- Add beaten eggs to the creamed mixture.
- Sift dry ingredients: flour, soda, and salt.
- Alternately add sifted dry ingredients and hot water to the mixture.
- Add vanilla extract to the batter.
- Drop teaspoon-sized portions of batter onto a baking sheet.
- Bake in a moderate oven until golden brown.
- Ice the cookies with powdered sugar icing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the molasses with honey. Ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easier creaming with brown sugar. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary. If you like spices, adding a teaspoon of cinnamon can elevate the taste, similar to what you might find in Ginger Cookies (Mom'S Gingerbread Men).
Serving Suggestions
These Honey Drops are delightful on their own or can be paired with a cup of tea or coffee. For a special treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter with other baked goods, such as Raspberry Streusel Muffins. Feel free to drizzle some extra icing on top for added sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Honey Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresher longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks, but be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving. Reheat in a low oven for a few minutes to regain their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Honey Drops contains roughly 2237 calories, with 24g protein, 314g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (70% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and potassium (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1889mg per serving (82% 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 sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar, but the flavor will be less rich and the cookies may not be as moist. To mimic the moisture of brown sugar, consider adding a tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar used.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can use unsalted butter or coconut oil in place of shortening. Both will add a different flavor profile and richness to the cookies, enhancing their overall taste while keeping them moist.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Honey Drops, you can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure to add a binding agent like xanthan gum if your blend doesn't already contain one to ensure the cookies hold together properly.
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).