Old-Fashioned German Spice Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: German

Old-Fashioned German Spice Cookies are flavorful treats with warm cinnamon and molasses, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy snacking, appealing to those who enjoy classic spiced cookies.

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Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup shortening or oil
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 4 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients well.
  2. Make small balls roughly the size of walnuts.
  3. Roll the balls in sugar.
  4. Do not press flat the balls.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using coconut oil instead of shortening, which will add a subtle flavor. If you prefer a spicier cookie, feel free to add ground cloves or nutmeg to the dough. Be cautious when baking; these cookies can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly due to the sugar content, so keep an eye on them as they approach the 12-minute mark.

Serving Suggestions

These Old-Fashioned German Spice Cookies are delightful with a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with a rich Hot Chocolate for a cozy treat. Consider serving them alongside Soft Ginger Cake(Gingerbread) for a festive dessert platter during the holidays. For an added touch, dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or microwave for a few seconds until just warmed.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old-Fashioned German Spice Cookies contains roughly 123 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.

123 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2g 4% DV
Total Fat 3.7g 5% DV
Carbs 21.3g 8% DV
Fiber 1g 3% DV
Sugar 2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 101.4mg 4% DV
Potassium 151.2mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 20.8mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 3.8mg 4% DV
Calcium 39.7mg 3% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
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 substitute the shortening with butter?

Yes, you can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. The texture may be slightly different, as butter tends to make cookies a bit softer and chewier, but they will still turn out delicious.

What can I use instead of molasses?

If you don't have molasses on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still provide a nice sweetness and moisture to the cookies.

How can I make these cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, you can slightly reduce the baking time or add an extra egg yolk to the dough. Additionally, ensuring you measure your flour accurately can help prevent overly dry cookies, leading to a softer texture.

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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