Molasses Surprise Cookies
Molasses Surprise Cookies offer a rich, spicy flavor with hints of ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon, complemented by chunks of nuts and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Their chewy texture and deep molasses sweetness make them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the shortening, sugar, and molasses.
- Add eggs and mix well.
- Sift together the flour, salt, soda, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Add a small amount of dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and blend until smooth.
- Stir in sour milk, chopped nuts, and chocolate chips.
- Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until cookies are golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer cookie, reduce the baking time slightly. If you don't have sour milk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. You can also use a mix of different nuts or even omit them entirely for a nut-free version. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick.
Serving Suggestions
These Molasses Surprise Cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. Consider serving them alongside a fruit salad or a slice of Lane Cake for a delicious dessert spread. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with Whipped Cream Icing before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molasses Surprise Cookies contains roughly 286 calories, with 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 richer flavor, or use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, and you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients depending on the sweetener used.
What can I use instead of shortening?
Vegetable oil or unsalted butter can be used as a substitute for shortening. If using butter, make sure it's softened to room temperature for easy mixing. This will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies, giving them a richer taste.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges and still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool. For best results, keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overbaking.
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).