Sally Ann Soft Molasses Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Sally Ann Soft Molasses Cookies are warmly spiced, chewy treats with rich molasses flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with family and friends.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ginger
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and brown sugar; add molasses.
  2. Alternately add buttermilk and dry ingredients to the mixture.
  3. Roll out the dough and cut with cookie cutter or Spam can.
  4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 8 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To ensure even baking, keep your cookie dough at a consistent thickness when rolling out. If you prefer a softer cookie, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet.

Serving Suggestions

These soft molasses cookies are delightful on their own or served with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Queen Elizabeth Cake for a delightful dessert spread.

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 them to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes or microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sally Ann Soft Molasses Cookies contains roughly 323 calories, with 7g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value) and protein (13% of the Daily Value).

323 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.6g 13% DV
Total Fat 11.3g 14% DV
Carbs 48.1g 17% DV
Fiber 2.1g 8% DV
Sugar 1.4g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 394.5mg 17% DV
Potassium 93.4mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 1.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.8mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0mg
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 32.3mg 2% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit 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 fat instead of shortening?

Yes, you can substitute shortening with an equal amount of butter or margarine. This will give the cookies a richer flavor and slightly different texture. Just keep in mind that butter may cause the cookies to spread more during baking.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out. If needed, you can also sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface when rolling out the dough.

How can I make these cookies more festive for the holidays?

To add a festive touch, consider incorporating chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit into the dough. You can also sprinkle some coarse sugar on top before baking for a sparkly finish. Adding a pinch of allspice or nutmeg can intensify the holiday flavor.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →