Stage Planks
Stage Planks are crisp, spicy cookies with warm ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugar, and molasses together.
- Add lemon flavoring to the buttermilk.
- Sift together flour, salt, spices, and baking soda.
- Add alternately with the buttermilk to the creamed mixture, mixing well.
- Chill the dough for several hours.
- Turn out onto a floured board and roll to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut into 1 1/2 x 2-inch strips.
- Place on greased baking sheets and bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 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 make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure the dough is well chilled before rolling to maintain its shape while baking. These Stage Planks can be spiced up with a pinch of nutmeg for added warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful Stage Planks as a sweet snack with coffee or tea. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For a festive touch, consider drizzling them with melted chocolate or serving alongside Jiffy Cheese Cake Cups for a varied dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the Stage Planks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stage Planks contains roughly 910 calories, with 8g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1420mg per serving (62% 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 substitute the butter with margarine?
Yes, you can substitute butter with margarine or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free option. However, keep in mind that margarine may slightly alter the flavor and texture. Ensure it is unsalted to maintain the balance of flavors in the recipe.
How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
To prevent spreading, make sure your dough is well chilled before rolling. Additionally, using parchment paper on your baking sheets can help maintain the shape of the cookies. Avoid over mixing the dough after adding the flour to keep them tender.
What can I add for a more festive flavor?
For a more festive flavor, consider adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough. You could also incorporate a splash of rum or whiskey in place of lemon flavoring for a deeper taste. These additions will elevate the cookies, especially for holiday gatherings.
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).