Sugar And Molasses Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 36 Cuisine: American

Sweet and spicy sugar and molasses cookies with warm ginger, cloves, and cinnamon, perfect for holiday treats or cozy gatherings, offering rich flavors and chewy texture.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 3/4 cup shortening
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 cups sifted flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Soften the shortening and add sugar, molasses, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon.
  2. Add egg and beat well.
  3. Sift together flour, salt, and baking soda.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and combine.
  5. Chill the dough, then make into 1-inch balls.
  6. Flatten each ball and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a chewier texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with butter or coconut oil. You can also experiment by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and crunch. If you prefer a less spiced cookie, reduce the ginger and cloves. Be sure to chill the dough adequately to help maintain the shape while baking.

Serving Suggestions

These Sugar and Molasses Cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. For a fun dessert platter, include alongside other favorites like Grandma Jean's Egg Nog Pie or American recipes for holidays and gatherings. They also make a great addition to cookie exchanges or as treats for Bible study gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore their freshness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sugar And Molasses Cookies contains roughly 82 calories, with 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.

82 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.5g 1% DV
Total Fat 1.9g 2% DV
Carbs 16.3g 6% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 10g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 172.4mg 7% DV
Potassium 238.1mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 17.2mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.2mcg
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Calcium 47.2mg 4% DV
Iron 0.8mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
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 brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar in this recipe. It will add a deeper flavor and moisture to the cookies. If you use brown sugar, you might want to reduce the molasses slightly, as brown sugar already contains molasses.

What can I use if I don't have shortening?

If you don't have shortening, you can replace it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. This will change the flavor slightly, making the cookies richer and adding a buttery taste. Make sure to soften the butter before mixing for the best results.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when they are lightly browned on the edges and still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.

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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