Mule Ears
Mule Ears are crispy, spiced cookies with rich molasses and warm cinnamon flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy snacking with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add eggs and mix thoroughly. Stir in molasses.
- Sift together flour, soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until dough forms.
- Chill dough for 1 hour before rolling out and baking.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using dark molasses for a richer taste. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute, but you may need to adjust the flour slightly for consistency. Make sure to chill the dough well to prevent sticking when rolling out, which can be especially helpful when making shapes. For a twist, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Serving Suggestions
Mule Ears are delightful on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee, making them a great addition to your afternoon snack. For a festive twist, consider serving them alongside Apple Upside Down Gingerbread for a warm dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Mule Ears in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until they are soft and fragrant again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mule Ears contains roughly 1119 calories, with 1g protein, 230g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (77% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and calcium (65% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1377mg per serving (60% 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 a different sweetener instead of molasses?
Yes, you can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor and texture. Use a little less than the amount of molasses called for, as these sweeteners are sweeter. Additionally, you may want to add a bit of extra spice to balance the sweetness.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, try adding a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Make sure to flour your rolling surface and rolling pin as well to prevent sticking. Chilling the dough longer can also help firm it up and reduce stickiness.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can roll out the cookies and freeze them, baking them fresh when you're ready to enjoy. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
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).