Monkey Face Cookies
Playful monkey face cookies with sweet molasses, fragrant spices, and chewy raisins, perfect for fun baking with kids or festive treats. Easy to make and delightful to eat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put raisins in hot water and set aside to soak.
- Combine molasses, sugar, hot water, butter, and egg in a mixing bowl.
- Add baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; mix well.
- Stir in raisins and gradually add flour, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
- Shape the dough into monkey face shapes or cookies as desired.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the molasses with brown sugar. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour. If you don't have lard, butter works just fine. Soaking the raisins in hot water not only plumps them up but also adds moisture to the cookies, enhancing their overall texture.
Serving Suggestions
These playful cookies are perfect for a fun dessert table or a children's party. Serve them alongside a glass of milk or a warm mug of hot cocoa. For an added treat, pair them with Poncho'S Baked Beans for a delightful contrast of sweet and savory. They also make a great snack with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Monkey Face Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, keeping them soft and chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Monkey Face Cookies contains roughly 562 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 51g fat.
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 molasses?
Yes, you can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor and sweetness level. Molasses gives these cookies a unique depth, so if you can, stick with it for the best results.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to shape, try adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable. Alternatively, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, which will make it easier to handle.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, to make these cookies vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of lard or butter. The cookies will still turn out deliciously!
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).