Soft Dough Spice Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

Soft dough spice cookies are warmly flavored with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, offering a chewy texture perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. shortening
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 Tbsp. molasses
  • 2 c. flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp. soda
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. ginger
  • 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp. cloves
  • 1/4 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and sugar thoroughly.
  2. Blend in unbeaten eggs and molasses.
  3. Sift flour with soda, spices, and salt.
  4. Add to creamed mixture gradually until well combined.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of allspice or a splash of vanilla extract. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter or coconut oil for a different texture. Ensure your spices are fresh for the best taste. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, increase the sugar by 1/4 cup.

Serving Suggestions

These Soft Dough Spice Cookies are perfect for an afternoon treat or holiday gatherings. Serve them with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For a festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you'd like to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Soft Dough Spice Cookies contains roughly 839 calories, with 10g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (27% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1020mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

839 kcal 42% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.4g 21% DV
Total Fat 36.1g 46% DV
Carbs 123.7g 45% DV
Fiber 6g 22% DV
Sugar 2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1019.7mg 44% DV
Potassium 883.2mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 309.9mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 76.6mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 22.5mg 25% DV
Calcium 357.5mg 27% DV
Iron 3.3mg 18% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may alter the texture slightly, making the cookies denser. Consider mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balance of flavor and texture.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, and they have set but still look slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking for the best texture.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can mix in 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough before baking for added texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that this will change the overall taste and consistency of the cookie.

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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