Mountain Cookies
Mountain Cookies are a delightful treat that combine the warmth of spices like cinnamon and cloves with the rich sweetness of molasses. Perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings, these cookies are sure to satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine and add sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Mix together and cool.
- Add eggs and beat in well by hand.
- Dissolve baking soda in water and add it along with orange rind, lemon rind, and extract.
- Add molasses and mix well.
- Mix together flour and baking powder, then slowly add it to the other combined ingredients.
- Pack the mixture into waxed paper lined bread pans.
- Refrigerate until hard enough to slice into thin slices.
- Sprinkle each slice with sugar and bake in a 350° oven for 5 to 7 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. If you prefer a lighter sweetness, reduce the sugar to 4 cups and adjust the molasses accordingly. To enhance the spices, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. Make sure to pack the mixture tightly in the pans to ensure proper slicing after refrigeration.
Serving Suggestions
These Mountain Cookies are delightful on their own or can be served alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee. Consider pairing them with a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. They also make a great addition to a holiday dessert platter, complementing other treats like Pumpkin Crunch Cake or Banana Pancakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Mountain Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can also refrigerate them. For reheating, simply warm them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes, ensuring they regain their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mountain Cookies contains roughly 68 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 599mg per serving (26% 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 all-purpose flour instead of a mix of flours?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour for this recipe. However, for a more unique texture and flavor, consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. This will add a nutty flavor that pairs well with the spices in the cookies.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make these Mountain Cookies vegan, replace the margarine with a plant-based butter and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. To create one flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens. This will help bind the ingredients together.
What can I do if the mixture is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Alternatively, you can chill the dough for a longer period to make it easier to handle while slicing.
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).