Nellie'S Molasses Cookies

Prep: 720 min Cuisine: American

Nellie's Molasses Cookies are rich, spicy treats with warm ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup melted shortening
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Mix well and let stand overnight in the refrigerator.
  3. In the morning, roll out the dough.
  4. Bake in a moderate oven until cookies are done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. To prevent sticking while rolling out the dough, dust your surface with flour. Letting the dough rest overnight in the refrigerator improves its texture and helps the flavors meld together, a technique also used in some American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these molasses cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea for a delightful treat. They also pair beautifully with Pumpkin Pecan Muffins for a cozy brunch spread. For added flair, consider dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with a simple icing for a sweeter finish.

Storage & Reheating

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Nellie'S Molasses Cookies contains roughly 1965 calories, with 20g protein, 220g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), calcium (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1950mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).

1965 kcal 98% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20g 40% DV
Total Fat 114.9g 100% DV
Carbs 220.4g 80% DV
Fiber 20g 72% DV
Sugar 69.1g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1950mg 85% DV
Potassium 1072.6mg 23% DV
Cholesterol 166.8mg 56% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 40.9mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 24.5mg 27% DV
Calcium 769.1mg 59% DV
Iron 7.4mg 41% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar to enhance the flavor profile. Alternatively, you could use honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this will alter the texture and may require adjustments in the other liquid ingredients.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be slightly firm to the touch and have a golden-brown edge while remaining soft in the center. A good test is to gently press the center; if it springs back, they are ready. Remember that they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch. If you prefer chocolate, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can be folded into the dough. Just be mindful that adding extra ingredients may slightly change the baking time.

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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