Sugar And Spice Cookies
Sugar and Spice Cookies are warmly spiced treats with rich molasses and aromatic cinnamon, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons. Their crisp edges and chewy centers make them a timeless favorite, appealing to both kids and adults who enjoy classic, flavorful cookies with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the shortening and sugar.
- Add the egg and molasses to the mixture and beat well.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture until well combined.
- Refrigerate the dough until it is firm and easy to handle.
- Shape the dough into small balls, flouring hands to prevent sticking.
- Place the dough balls on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- While warm, dust the cookies with powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. You can also use dark molasses for a richer flavor. If you're out of ground ginger, ground nutmeg can be a good alternative. Ensure to chill the dough adequately; this helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These Sugar and Spice Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can enhance the experience by serving them with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with a light dessert like the Coconut Pineapple Cake for a festive treat. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside a creamy Ranch-Spinach Dip for a unique flavor contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing the baked cookies. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar And Spice Cookies contains roughly 720 calories, with 5g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (46% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1780mg per serving (77% 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 use a different type of fat instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute shortening with butter or margarine for a different flavor. Keep in mind that butter will add a richer taste but may slightly alter the texture of the cookies. If using butter, be sure to use unsalted to control the overall saltiness of the recipe.
What spices can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of warmth. Additionally, incorporating a bit of vanilla extract can add a nice depth to the flavor profile. Just be careful not to overpower the classic spices already in the recipe.
How can I make these cookies more festive for the holidays?
Consider adding festive mix-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruits such as cranberries for a seasonal flair. You can also decorate the cookies with icing or colored sugar before baking, or dust with powdered sugar right after baking for a snowy effect.
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).