Mother'S Molasses Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 72 Cuisine: American

Delicious molasses cookies with warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons, offering rich flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a soft, chewy treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 3 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves

Instructions

  1. Add enough flour to the mixture to make a soft dough suitable for rolling out.
  2. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes with a cookie cutter.
  3. Bake the cookies at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.
  4. Makes approximately 6 dozen cookies.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer cookie, consider reducing the baking time slightly or adding a tablespoon of milk to the dough. If you're out of molasses, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will differ. To enhance the spices, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. This recipe can also be adapted for oatmeal cookies by mixing in oats, resembling Oatmeal Nut Muffins.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea for a delightful treat. They also pair well with vanilla ice cream, creating a delicious dessert. Alternatively, serve them alongside the Little Cheese And Tomato Pizzas for a fun afternoon snack or dessert mix.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until soft.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mother'S Molasses Cookies contains roughly 419 calories, with 2g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 939mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).

419 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.4g 5% DV
Total Fat 26.5g 34% DV
Carbs 43.5g 16% DV
Fiber 4.4g 16% DV
Sugar 18g 36% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 939.4mg 41% DV
Potassium 451.1mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 19.5mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.8mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 21.8mg 24% DV
Calcium 123.7mg 10% DV
Iron 1.7mg 10% DV
Contains Egg

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 butter instead of shortening in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening, but keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly. Butter will make the cookies richer and add a different flavor. Use the same amount as the shortening in the recipe.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough becomes too sticky, gradually add more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour at once, as it can lead to dry cookies. The goal is a soft dough that's easy to roll out.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips for added flavor. Just ensure that the total amount of add-ins does not exceed 1 cup to maintain the dough's 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).

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