Grandma’s Molasses Cookies

These cookies have been passed down for generations and they are sure to make you smile.

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Recipe Snapshot

Serves: 24 Cookies

Time: 1.5 hours

Level: Medium

I love this cookie recipe because it really brings up a lot of cherished memories. My grandma would always make a big batch for our family vacations, or other family members would bring them as a sweet treat to gatherings. I once spent a summer day with my grandma where she taught me how to make them myself, and she mixed the whole batch by hand. I have since tried to re-create, but I am simply not strong enough – it takes some serious arm muscle!

What you’ll need…

3/4 C Shortening
1 C Sugar
1/4 C Brer Rabbit Molasses (Grandma prefers the light molasses)
1 Egg
2 tsp Baking Soda
2 Cups Flour 
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Ground Cloves
1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
1/2 tsp Salt

Get Cooking…

Preheat oven to 350F.

Melt shortening in a saucepan over low heat. Transfer to bowl of a stand mixer and let cool.

Add sugar, molasses, and egg to bowl with shortening. Beat the mixture well, it should turn a light brown color. (This is where my grandma would beat the mixture by hand.)

Sift together flour, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and salt. Add dry ingredients to first mixture and continue to mix well.

Let dough chill for about 30 minutes. Once chilled, scoop into 1 inch balls and roll in additional sugar. Place cookies about 2 inches apart on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Take the flat end of a glass and lightly press down on the cookies. They should be flat on the top, but not so thinned that they will be too crisp. Bake in oven for 5-8 minutes, or until tops begin to crack and edges are browned.