Pennsylvania Dutch Molasses Cookies
Sweet and spicy Pennsylvania Dutch Molasses Cookies feature rich molasses, cinnamon, and ginger, offering a soft, chewy texture perfect for holiday treats or comforting snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cream together shortening and sugar until well blended.
- Add eggs and beat well.
- Dissolve soda in molasses and add to the creamed mixture.
- Sift together flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the mixture.
- Mix in 1/2 cup sour or buttermilk with 1 teaspoon of soda dissolved in it.
- Add the remaining dry ingredients to the mixture.
- Chill the dough well.
- Roll out the dough to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut into desired shapes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. If you don't have shortening, butter or coconut oil can be substituted, but the texture may differ slightly. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading while baking. For extra spice, you can add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. This dough also works well for cut-out cookies like those in festive recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These molasses cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect afternoon snack. For a delightful dessert, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a drizzle of caramel sauce. They are also a great addition to holiday cookie platters, complementing other treats like Topping For Dutch Apple Pie.
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 single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, place cookies on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pennsylvania Dutch Molasses Cookies contains roughly 1296 calories, with 6g protein, 316g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (106% of the Daily Value), iron (99% of the Daily Value), and calcium (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2754mg per serving (120% 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 type of sweetener instead of molasses?
While molasses gives these cookies their distinctive flavor, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute, though this will alter the taste and texture. If you opt for a liquid sweetener, reduce the liquid in your recipe slightly to maintain the right dough consistency.
How can I make these cookies softer?
To achieve softer molasses cookies, try reducing the flour by half a cup or adding an extra egg yolk to the dough. You can also slightly decrease the baking time, checking them at 10 minutes for a softer center. Remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, you can chill it for an additional 30 minutes to firm it up. Alternatively, dust your work surface and rolling pin with a bit of flour to help manage the stickiness. You can also add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is workable.
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).