Thin Round Molasses Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Cuisine: American

Delightfully thin and crispy molasses cookies infused with warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with a cup of tea or coffee.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 3 1/2 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
  2. Divide the dough into small round balls and place them on a cookie sheet.
  3. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass to make them quite thin.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, watching carefully as they burn easily.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer cookie, reduce baking time slightly; for crunchier cookies, extend it by a minute. You can substitute the shortening with butter for a richer flavor, although it may alter the texture slightly. To enhance the spices, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or using fresh ginger. Ensure your molasses is unsulfured for the best taste.

Serving Suggestions

These thin round molasses cookies are delightful on their own or served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with Dipping Mustard for a unique flavor experience. You can also serve them at gatherings, making them a great addition to dessert platters alongside other treats like Grandma Squire's Church Window Cookies.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven for a freshly baked taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Thin Round Molasses Cookies contains roughly 878 calories, with 23g protein, 180g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1789mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).

878 kcal 44% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23.2g 46% DV
Total Fat 6.3g 8% DV
Carbs 179.9g 65% DV
Fiber 10.1g 36% DV
Sugar 2.6g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1789mg 78% DV
Potassium 438.1mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 0mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.1mcg
Vitamin C 21.8mg 24% DV
Calcium 100.5mg 8% DV
Iron 10.5mg 58% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains 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 keep in mind that it will change the texture and flavor slightly, making the cookies denser. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe to achieve the right consistency.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

To make these cookies vegan, substitute the shortening with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Ensure that the molasses you use is vegan-friendly. You can also use a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) as an egg replacement if you are adding eggs to the recipe.

What other spices can I add to enhance the flavor?

You can experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice for additional warmth. A teaspoon of vanilla extract can also round out the flavors beautifully. Adjust the spices according to your taste preference, but keep in mind that too much may overpower the molasses.

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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