May Basket Cookies
Delightful May Basket Cookies feature warm spices and rich molasses, perfect for spring celebrations or a festive treat. Their charming shape makes them ideal for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening, sugar, and molasses; then add the egg yolk.
- Mix well.
- Sift flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, ground cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and mace.
- Sift the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Wrap the dough in foil and chill.
- Roll a small portion of the dough at a time to 1/8-inch thickness, keeping remaining dough chilled until ready to roll out.
- Cut out cookies with round or flower-shaped cutters.
- Place on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Cool the cookies.
- Decorate with cake decorator, frosting, or frosting in a pressure can.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. You can also adjust the spices to your taste; adding more cinnamon or even a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the cookies' warmth. Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading during baking, which helps maintain the cookie shape. If you enjoy baking, try making Peanut Brittle(About 1 Pound) as a tasty treat alongside these cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These May Basket Cookies are delightful on their own but also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider decorating them with colorful icing or sprinkles for special occasions. They make a great addition to any dessert platter or as a sweet treat for gatherings. You might also enjoy serving them alongside Cranberry Sweet Potato Bread for a varied sweet spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you'd like to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of May Basket Cookies contains roughly 357 calories, with 11g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (29% of the Daily Value), protein (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2004mg per serving (87% 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 sweetener instead of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use a sugar alternative like coconut sugar for a healthier option. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly with different sweeteners, so adjustments may be needed in the recipe.
What if I don't have molasses?
If you don't have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, though this will alter the flavor profile. For a closer match, mix brown sugar with a small amount of water to achieve a similar consistency and taste as molasses.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free May Basket Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture. The cookies may have a slightly different texture, but they will still be delicious!
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).