Little Spice Cakes
Little Spice Cakes are soft, spiced cookies with warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy treats with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine beaten egg, molasses, and melted butter in a mixing bowl.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, soda, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
- Add the sifted ingredients to the wet mixture and mix well.
- Chill the dough until firm enough to shape, about 1 hour.
- Roll the chilled dough into 3/4-inch diameter balls.
- Roll each ball in sugar to coat.
- Bake the cookies at 375°F for about 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of regular. If you're out of baking powder, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar mixed with 1/3 teaspoon of baking soda. To enhance the spices, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. Chill the dough well to ensure the cakes retain their shape while baking.
Serving Suggestions
These little spice cakes make a delightful treat with coffee or tea. Serve them alongside a scoop of Banana-Yogurt Ice Milk for a refreshing contrast. They can also be enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a cozy snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover little spice cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Little Spice Cakes contains roughly 275 calories, with 5g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), calcium (52% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2768mg per serving (120% 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 substitute the molasses in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute molasses with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. However, this will alter the taste slightly, so choose based on your preference. If using honey, consider reducing the sugar slightly, as honey is sweeter than molasses.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky after mixing, try adding a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it's manageable. Remember to chill the dough well before shaping, as this will help prevent stickiness and make rolling easier.
How can I make these cakes more festive?
To make these little spice cakes more festive, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top after baking or incorporating chopped nuts or dried fruits into the dough. You might also try drizzling them with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweeter touch.
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).