Spiced Molasses Shape Cookies
These delightful Spiced Molasses Shape Cookies are a twist on the traditional molasses cookies, featuring a rich blend of spices that create a warming flavor profile. Originating from a cherished recipe shared by a coworker, these cookies are unique as they use allspice and are made without eggs. The dense and slightly chewy texture is achieved by rolling the dough to a perfect thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch and avoiding overbaking. Ideal for festive occasions or cozy gatherings, these cookies can be cut into fun shapes like gingerbread men or bears, making them a favorite for both kids and adults alike. For the best flavor, allow the cookies to sit for a day for the spices to meld, enhancing their irresistible sweetness and depth.
20
Servings
110
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
shortening
2 tablespoons (softened)
shortening
1 1/2 teaspoons (softened)
dark molasses
3/4 cup (none)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
cold water
1/4 cup (none)
flour
3 1/2 cups (sifted)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
allspice
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ginger
1/2 teaspoon (none)
clove
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
cold water
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons and 1 1/2 teaspoons of shortening with dark molasses and brown sugar. Stir until fully combined.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, allspice, ginger, clove, cinnamon, and baking soda until well blended.
3
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the molasses mixture. Then, dissolve the baking soda in 1.5 teaspoons of cold water and stir it into the dough mixture.
4
Once combined, gather the dough into a ball and flatten it slightly into a disk on a sheet of waxed paper. Wrap the disk in the paper and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up the dough.
5
Lay out a clean surface and sprinkle with flour. Roll the chilled dough out to a thickness of between 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes.
6
Recombine any scraps of dough, pat into a ball, reroll, and cut out additional shapes until most of the dough is used.
7
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or spray your cookie sheets.
8
Place the cookies on the prepared sheets, leaving space between each as they will expand slightly while baking.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, as this will affect their chewy texture.
10
For the best taste, allow the cookies to cool completely and let them sit overnight for the flavors to mature.
Nutrition Information
0.7g
Fat
18.5g
Carbs
1.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Molasses Shape Cookies?
These are a twist on traditional molasses cookies featuring a rich blend of spices, a dense chewy texture, and are unique because they are made without eggs.
Are these cookies egg-free?
Yes, these cookies are eggless, making them suitable for those with egg allergies or dietary preferences.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a warming blend of allspice, ginger, clove, and cinnamon.
How long should I chill the dough?
The dough should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up before rolling.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking these cookies.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 15 to 18 minutes, being careful not to overbake them.
What is the ideal thickness for rolling the dough?
Roll the dough out to a thickness of between 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch.
Can I use cookie cutters with this dough?
Yes, the dough is designed to be cut into fun shapes like gingerbread men or bears using cookie cutters.
What is the texture of these cookies?
These cookies have a dense and slightly chewy texture.
Why should I let the cookies sit for a day?
Allowing them to sit overnight lets the spices meld, which enhances the sweetness and depth of the flavor.
What type of molasses should I use?
The recipe specifies using 3/4 cup of dark molasses.
How much shortening is required?
The recipe calls for a total of 2 tablespoons and 1 1/2 teaspoons of softened shortening.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 20 servings.
How many calories are in one cookie?
Each serving contains 110 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each cookie has approximately 0.7g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 18.5g of carbohydrates per cookie.
How much protein is in each cookie?
Each cookie provides 1.4g of protein.
Does this recipe use baking soda?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of baking soda which is dissolved in cold water before being added to the dough.
Should the cookie sheets be greased?
Yes, you should lightly grease or spray your cookie sheets before placing the dough shapes on them.
What should I do with dough scraps?
Recombine the scraps, pat them into a ball, reroll them, and cut out additional shapes until the dough is used up.
How should the dough be prepared for chilling?
Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, and wrap it in waxed paper.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This is a cherished recipe originally shared by a coworker.
Are these cookies good for kids?
Yes, the ability to make fun shapes makes them a favorite for both kids and adults.
Is salt used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much brown sugar do I need?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe calls for 3 1/2 cups of sifted flour.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday baking?
Absolutely, they are described as ideal for festive occasions and holiday treats.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total for these cookies.
What happens if I overbake the cookies?
Overbaking will affect their chewy texture, making them harder than intended.
What is the final step for the best flavor?
Allow the cookies to cool completely and sit overnight to let the flavors mature.