Robert E. Lee Cookies
Robert E. Lee Cookies are spiced, buttery cookies with rich molasses flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons. Their warm blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates a nostalgic taste reminiscent of gingerbread, appealing to cookie lovers of all ages seeking a flavorful, festive treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter and add molasses, sugar, and eggs.
- Beat well to combine.
- Sift together the flour, soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Freeze the dough for several hours.
- Break off heaping teaspoon-sized pieces of dough and roll into small balls.
- Roll the balls in sugar.
- Place on an ungreased cookie sheet about 1 1/2 inches apart.
- Bake in a preheated 385°F oven until firm and brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of regular. If you prefer a spicier cookie, increase the cinnamon and ginger slightly. You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Make sure to freeze the dough thoroughly to help maintain the shape while baking, similar to the technique used in Cookie Cutter Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Fresh Lemon Meringue Pie or Marshmallow Fudge during gatherings. They also make a lovely addition to holiday cookie platters, complementing other treats like Refrigerator Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, where they can last up to three months. To reheat, simply warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Robert E. Lee Cookies contains roughly 955 calories, with 19g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (49% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1886mg per serving (82% 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?
Yes, you can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile. If you choose to do so, adjust the amount of flour slightly to maintain the dough's consistency.
Why do I need to freeze the dough?
Freezing the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking. It also enhances the texture, making them chewy in the center and crisp on the edges.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch, and chocolate chips would introduce a sweet contrast to the spices. Just be sure to adjust the flour slightly if you're adding a significant amount.
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).