Soft Molasses Cookies(Sweet Cakes)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Soft molasses cookies with warm spices and rich flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons, offering a chewy texture and aromatic sweetness.

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Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup lard
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon cold water
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 heaping teaspoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 3 cups sifted flour

Instructions

  1. Add baking soda to molasses and let foam for 5 minutes.
  2. Cream sugar and butter with lard, salt, and spices.
  3. Add the foamed molasses and baking soda mixture to the creamed mixture.
  4. Add beaten egg, cold water, and vinegar. Beat well.
  5. Stir in 3 cups sifted flour.
  6. Roll cookies quite thick on a floured board.
  7. Cut with a large cookie cutter.
  8. Score tops with a fork and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon mixture.
  9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, try using dark molasses instead of light. If you don't have lard, you can substitute with additional butter or vegetable shortening. Be sure to chill the dough for about 30 minutes if it's too sticky to handle. This will make rolling and cutting much easier. Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be soft and slightly underbaked for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

These soft molasses cookies are delightful on their own but can be served with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a unique dessert. For a festive touch, try serving them alongside Butter Tarts (Makes Approximately 2 Dozen) during the holidays.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in the freezer, separated by parchment paper, for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Soft Molasses Cookies(Sweet Cakes) contains roughly 75 calories, with 0g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.

75 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.5g 1% DV
Total Fat 5g 6% DV
Carbs 7.1g 3% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 2.2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 336.6mg 15% DV
Potassium 68.5mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 14mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.4mcg
Vitamin C 1.8mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 18.5mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk 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 a different sweetener instead of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar to enhance the cookies' flavor and moisture. Alternatively, you could use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you're looking for a healthier option, but be aware that this may alter the texture slightly.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky and hard to work with, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. You can also add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a workable consistency. Just be careful not to add too much, as this can make the cookies tough.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies and freeze them, allowing for easy desserts whenever you need them. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before 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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