Mom'S Spice Cookies
Mom's Spice Cookies are fragrant, warmly spiced treats with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, perfect for sharing during holidays or enjoying with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
- 3 cups sifted all purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- Pinch of salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 tablespoons grated orange rind ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons dark Karo syrup ⓘ
Instructions
- Sift flour onto waxed paper before measuring.
- Resift flour twice with baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and ground cloves; set aside.
- Cream together the butter and shortening, then gradually add the sugar.
- Add the egg, grated orange rind, dark corn syrup, and water; beat very thoroughly until fluffy and light.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until well blended and no flour is visible.
- Chill the dough about 2 hours after wrapping with plastic.
- Cut the dough in half and roll out on a floured board.
- Cut with cookie dough cutters and proceed with baking as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of molasses or honey for sweetness. If you don't have vegetable shortening, you can use all butter instead, though it may yield a slightly different texture. Ensure your butter is soft for easier creaming. If you prefer a spicier cookie, increase the ginger or cinnamon per your taste. Remember to chill the dough thoroughly to maintain shape while baking.
Serving Suggestions
These spice cookies are delightful on their own or can be paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For an extra special treat, serve alongside Mounds Drops for a festive spread. Consider decorating the cookies with a simple icing or dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. They also make great gifts during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to three months. To reheat, warm the cookies in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Spice Cookies contains roughly 1717 calories, with 16g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 108g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (33% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2951mg per serving (128% 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 and have a nuttier flavor. It's best to start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose to see how you like the texture.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these cookies more festive, consider adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips to the dough. You can also use cookie cutters in holiday shapes and decorate with icing or sprinkles for an added visual appeal.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to roll out, try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes or dust your work surface and rolling pin with a bit of flour. You can also add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a workable consistency.
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).