Old-Fashioned Spicy Cookies(Family Favorite)
Old-Fashioned Spicy Cookies offer a warm, aromatic flavor with ginger, cloves, and molasses, perfect for family gatherings or holiday treats with a nostalgic touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, salt, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Combine water and rum flavoring.
- Add soda to molasses.
- Thoroughly cream shortening and sugar.
- Add half the dry ingredients, half the water and rum flavoring, then half the molasses, blending well after each addition.
- Repeat the previous step with the remaining ingredients.
- Chill dough for several hours or overnight.
- On a well-floured surface, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut with a 3-inch cutter.
- Bake on a greased cookie sheet in a moderate oven (375°F) for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Let stand a few minutes, then remove.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients. If you don't have dark molasses, light molasses or even honey can work, but the flavor will be different. Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly; this helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. If you want a softer cookie, reduce baking time by a minute or two.
Serving Suggestions
These Old-Fashioned Spicy Cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to holiday dessert platters alongside treats like Extra Special Sweet Potatoes. Consider serving them with a side of Blender-Style Coleslaw for a delightful contrast if enjoyed as part of a meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds or warm in an oven at 350°F for a few minutes until soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Spicy Cookies(Family Favorite) contains roughly 45 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour. This will add a nutty flavor and increase the nutritional value, but the cookies may be denser.
What can I use instead of shortening?
You can substitute equal parts unsalted butter or coconut oil for the shortening. This will alter the flavor slightly, making the cookies richer and providing a different texture.
How can I make these cookies less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness, simply decrease the amounts of ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. You can also omit one or two spices entirely, depending on your flavor preference.
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).