Lumberjacks("A Sturbridge Village Cookie")
A spicy, sweet gingerbread-inspired cookie with rich molasses flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy treats. Crispy edges and chewy centers make it a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together sugar and margarine.
- Add molasses and eggs. Mix well.
- Stir in dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Mix until dough is well combined.
- Put 1/4 cup of extra sugar into a bowl.
- Pinch off a ball of dough about the size of a walnut.
- Roll the dough into a ball and cover with sugar in the bowl.
- Place the sugar-coated balls on a greased cookie sheet 3 inches apart (24 per sheet).
- Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Dough can be stored indefinitely in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the margarine with unsalted butter. Additionally, you can use honey or maple syrup in place of dark molasses, but this may alter the taste slightly. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of nutmeg. Make sure to measure the flour accurately to avoid dense cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These Lumberjacks cookies are perfect for a cozy gathering, paired with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters alongside treats like Velvet Banana Bread or Peach Or Apple Kuchen. For a fun twist, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lumberjacks("A Sturbridge Village Cookie") contains roughly 238 calories, with 3g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 735mg per serving (32% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, start with 3 cups and gradually add more as needed, since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. This will give your cookies a nuttier flavor and a slightly denser texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are set around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in dry cookies. Aim for a light golden color on the bottoms.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding 1 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips, can enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies. Just fold them into the dough at the end before rolling into balls. This makes for a delightful variation on the classic Lumberjacks cookie.
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).