Plank Cookies
Plank Cookies are spicy, molasses-based treats with warm cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons, offering rich flavors and delightful textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the molasses, sugar, butter or Crisco, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and salt in the order listed.
- Sift flour and gradually add enough to the mixture to form a dough that can be molded by hand.
- Shape the dough into flat 'planks' about 6 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the planks on greased pans, 2 inches apart to prevent touching as they spread.
- Bake in a slow oven, watching carefully to prevent burning due to the molasses content.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer texture, consider using half butter and half Crisco. If molasses is too strong for your taste, try a mix of molasses and honey for a milder flavor. Be careful not to over-add flour; the dough should be just sticky enough to hold its shape. Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist, similar to the flavors found in Molasses Drop Cakes.
Serving Suggestions
These plank cookies are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve alongside Fantastic Ambrosia for a refreshing contrast. You can also crumble them over ice cream for a tasty dessert or serve them with a spread of cream cheese for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover plank cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can add a slice of bread to the container to maintain moisture. If you want to enjoy them warm, briefly reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes until just warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plank Cookies contains roughly 656 calories, with 7g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 674mg per serving (29% 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 substitute with dark corn syrup or honey. However, this may change the taste and texture slightly. If you do substitute, consider adjusting the spices to maintain a balanced flavor.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to shape, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Make sure to mix well after each addition to avoid over-flouring and compromising the cookie's texture.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze plank cookies! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
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).