Every year at Christmas, my grandma would make batches and batches of cookies and make up plates to share with the neighbors. It was always my job to deliver these plate, which always included these molasses cookies. Everyone was always so happy to get a plate of cookies (or at least their acting skills were good enough to fool an elementary aged me), that I knew that was always something I wanted to do when I grew up.
I started this tradition when we bought our first house and now Isla joins me as we spend the first few weeks of December making a batch of cookies here and there until we have enough to give to our neighbors. I really don’t know if they even like getting them, but I love baking and I love sharing it with other people!
A few years ago, I told my grandma all I wanted for Christmas was for her to write down all of her recipes, and these molasses cookies were included in the book she gave me.
This is the first year I included them in my baking spree. They were never my favorite. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve never met a cookie I didn’t like, but the molasses cookies were always so simple that there was always a chocolate dipped something or other that grabbed my attention first. But one bite of the first batch this year (for quality control purposes, of course) and I was so glad I decided to make them! Not only was it nostalgia in a cookie, but I remembered how good these cookies are!
So if you’re searching for a Christmas cookie recipe for a cookie exchange, making plates for your neighbors or just looking for a new recipe to try, I’m sure you will love molasses cookies too!
Molasses Cookies
These molasses cookies have a crispy edges with a gooey center and feel oh so nostalgic
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter flavored Crisco shortening
- 1 cup sugar + extra for dipping
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons molasses
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375º.
- Cream Crisco and sugar together. Mix in egg and molasses.
- Once mixed well, add cloves, cinnamon and ginger.
- In a separate bowl, combine baking soda, salt and flour and whisk together. Slowly add to the wet ingredients until thoroughly mixed.
- Place approximately half a cup of sugar in a small bowl. Roll dough into tablespoon sized balls and roll through sugar. Place on baking sheet, slightly flattening the balls.
- Bake 10-12 minutes, depending on oven.
Notes
Butter can be substitued for Crisco. This is my grandma's recipe and she always bakes with Crisco, so I chose to follow her recipe exactly.
What are your favorite Christmas cookies to make? Are they a special recipe?
Looking for something different? Check out these Oreo Pudding Cookies!
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