Molasses Fruit Cookies
Sweet and spicy molasses fruit cookies feature a rich blend of raisins, dates, nuts, and warm spices, perfect for holiday treats or comforting snacks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together sugar, molasses, shortening, and eggs.
- Add cinnamon, salt, cloves, flour, chopped raisins, chopped dates, and nuts; mix well.
- Dissolve soda in hot water and add to the mixture.
- Drop by teaspoon onto a cookie sheet or roll and cut.
- Store in refrigerator and bake as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the shortening with unsalted butter. If you prefer, you can use honey or maple syrup in place of molasses, though this will alter the final taste. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. You can also add spices like nutmeg or ginger for additional warmth in flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Molasses Fruit Cookies are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making a delightful Ice Cream Cookie treat. Serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon snack. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For extended freshness, you can refrigerate them. If you want to enjoy warm cookies later, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molasses Fruit Cookies contains roughly 3110 calories, with 38g protein, 405g carbohydrates, and 153g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (101% of the Daily Value), protein (76% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1209mg per serving (53% 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, but the cookies may turn out denser. It’s best to start with a 50% substitution and see how you like the texture before using it entirely.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar by up to 1/2 cup without significantly impacting the texture. Additionally, consider using unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana as a substitute for some of the shortening to lower sweetness further.
What can I use instead of raisins and dates?
If you don't have raisins or dates, you can substitute with dried cranberries, apricots, or figs. Chopped nuts can be replaced with seeds for a nut-free version. Experiment with dried fruits you enjoy for a personalized 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).