Pecan Molasses Cookies
Pecan Molasses Cookies offer a delightful blend of rich molasses, warm spices, and crunchy pecans. The cookies are chewy yet crisp, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat. Their sweet and spicy flavor profile appeals to all ages and pairs wonderfully with a glass of milk or tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the shortening, sugar, molasses, and egg until well combined.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Stir in the butterscotch morsels.
- Chill the dough for 2 hours.
- Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and roll in granulated sugar.
- Place the shaped dough on a sprayed cookie pan.
- Top each cookie with a pecan half.
- Bake at 370°F (188°C) for 10 to 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the shortening with unsalted butter. You can also replace butterscotch morsels with chocolate chips or nuts if you prefer. Ensure you chill the dough properly, as this helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. If you want a spicier kick, add an extra pinch of ginger or a dash of nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
These Pecan Molasses Cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. For an added treat, serve them alongside Vanilla-Butter Sugar Cookies for a sweet dessert platter. They also make a wonderful gift when packaged in a decorative tin, perfect for the holiday season or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply place the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Molasses Cookies contains roughly 83 calories, with 0g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
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 another type of sweetener instead of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar to add a deeper flavor. Alternatively, use coconut sugar for a healthier option, but keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough becomes too sticky, try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes. You can also add a bit more flour gradually until it reaches a manageable consistency, ensuring not to overmix.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are set around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
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).