Sally Ann Cookies

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Sally Ann Cookies are spicy, ginger-flavored treats topped with a rich gelatine frosting, perfect for festive occasions or when craving a sweet, aromatic biscuit.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • ½ cup hot coffee
  • 6 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon cloves
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda

Instructions

  1. Mix all cookie ingredients together to form a batter.
  2. Chill the batter in the refrigerator.
  3. Roll out the chilled batter on a floured surface.
  4. Cut out cookies using an empty spam can or cookie cutter.
  5. Bake the cookies in a moderate oven until golden.
  6. Prepare the frosting by soaking 1 package Knox unflavored gelatine in 1 cup cold water.
  7. Add 1 cup sugar to the gelatine mixture and stir in a heavy saucepan.
  8. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
  9. Pour the syrup into 1¾ cups powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
  10. Add ¾ teaspoon baking powder and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; continue beating for about 15 minutes or until thick.
  11. Frost the bottom of each cookie with the gelatine frosting.
  12. Allow the frosting to dry before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you prefer a spicier cookie, increase the ginger to 1½ teaspoons. Ensure the coffee is freshly brewed and hot for the best results. Chill the dough for at least an hour to make rolling easier. Use a pizza cutter for quick cookie shapes if you don’t have a cutter.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own but can be paired with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy treat. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a platter of holiday sweets or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a great addition to a dessert table featuring other American recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sally Ann Cookies contains roughly 374 calories, with 4g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

374 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 27g 35% DV
Carbs 33g 12% DV
Fiber 13.2g 47% DV
Sugar 2.1g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 280.8mg 12% DV
Potassium 249.4mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 5.5mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 126mg 10% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or try coconut sugar for a healthier option. Keep in mind that these alternatives may slightly alter the texture of the cookies, so adjustments in flour quantity might be necessary.

What can I do if the dough is too sticky to roll out?

If the dough is too sticky, try chilling it for a longer period or adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Dust the rolling surface with flour to help prevent sticking.

How do I get the frosting to set properly?

To ensure the frosting sets well, make sure you beat it for the full 15 minutes as instructed. The mixture should become thick and glossy. Allow frosted cookies to dry completely at room temperature before stacking or serving.

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).

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