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Hearty Molasses Cookies
By Brenda Hyde
Since I was a kid molasses cookies have been my
favorite, especially when they are chewy, with slightly
crisp edges. Molasses is a unique taste that is perfect
for fall treats.
Molasses is made from sugar cane or beets. It is the
syrup that is left after boiling. Each stage of boiling
produces a darker molasses. Light is the first boiling,
dark the second and blackstrap the third. Generally the
light and dark is used for baking.
Rolled Molasses Cookies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup light molasses
1 egg
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground allspice
Beat shortening, brown sugar, molasses, and egg
in large bowl until blended; mix in remaining
ingredients. Refrigerate dough 2 to 3 hours.
Roll dough on floured surface to 1/4" thickness;
cut into decorative shapes with 2 to 3 inch cookie
cutters. Bake on greased cookie sheets until
browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
Frost with your favorite icing.
Molasses Clove Cookies
Ingredients:
3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground ginger
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups melted butter
2 eggs
1/2 cup molasses
1 1/2 cups quick cooking rolled oats
Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cloves,
ginger, and sugar into large mixing bowl. Stir
in melted butter, eggs, and molasses. Mix until
smooth with electric mixer, about 2 minutes.
With a large spoon, stir in rolled oats. Drop
by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet about
1-inch apart. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 10
minutes. Do not over bake. Makes 3 dozen cookies.
Molasses Crinkles
Ingredients:
3/4 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 1/4 cup flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
Mix first four ingredients well. Stir in the
remaining ingredients. Chill dough for at least
an hour. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough
into balls the size of golf balls. Dip the tops
in sugar. Place three inches apart on greased
cookie sheet. Sprinkle each cookie with 2 or 3
drops of water for a cracked surface. Bake 10-12
minutes until set.
Molasses Butterball Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup molasses
2 cups flour
2 cups crushed walnuts
Powdered sugar
In bowl, beat butter on medium speed for 30 seconds.
Add molasses and beat until fluffy. Add flour; beat at
low speed until well blended. Stir in nuts. Using about
1 tablespoon dough for each, shape into 1 inch balls.
Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 325 degrees
for 20 minutes. Remove to wire rack. When cool roll
in powdered sugar to coat. Makes 4 dozen.
About The Author
Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer living on ten acres in rural Michigan with her husband and three kids. Stop by and visit her garden blog, Garden of Grace & Whimsy, and her photography blog, A Dance of Words & Photos.
SeptemberLady "Born and have lived in Southern MD most of my life. My husband and I just finished building a new home on the family farm, where I hope to retire in the near future.
My interests: Doll collecting, cookbook collector (especially old ones), antiques, family/friend get-togethers, cooking/baking, flower and vegetable gardening, bird-watching."
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Memorial Day: Backyard Grilling
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The Perfect Porch Swing