Granny's Molasses Cookies

 

Among the piles of cookbooks in the cabin, this one is probably my favorite. When I was in 3rd grade, my elementary school collected recipes from teachers and families and put together a cookbook with the cover pictured above. 

Since the principal and family friend that drew that cover passed away recently, I thought it would be a nice tribute to share his artwork and the memories found in this little modest book.

  

My favorite recipe in the book (and by favorite I mean that I make it at least 5 times a year and the page shows it!) is for Granny's Molasses Cookies. It never fails, the dough can be stored in the freezer for months at a time, and they ship incredibly well! In fact, the batch I made for this post was then shipped to a friend in Minnesota - these are his favorite, too! The sign of a good friendship starts with liking the same cookies.

Because I don't want to give away the original author's recipe, and for sentimental reasons, I've found a nearly identical recipe online - CLICK HERE for Cooking Light's Molasses Cookies recipe - that is slightly modified below:

You'll Need:

1  cup  packed brown sugar
1/2  cup  shortening
1/2  cup  molasses
1  large egg
2 1/4  cups  all-purpose flour
2  teaspoons  baking soda
1  teaspoon  ground cinnamon
1/2  teaspoon  each of  ground cloves and ginger
1/4  teaspoon  salt
1/4  cup  granulated sugar

  

Combine sugar and shortening until fluffy - 

add molasses and egg and mix well.

In a separate bowl, combine remaining dry ingredients except for the last bit of sugar. Add to the sugar and shortening mix.

Once the dough comes together, cover the bowl and place in the freezer for an hour or until mostly hardened.

 

Remove the dough from the freezer and shape into 1-inch rounds. 

Roll in sugar and place on an un-greased cookie sheet.

  

Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

  

Even if the cookies haven't completely "crackled" yet, remove then from the oven and let them cool on the sheet - they will collapse a little and you'll end up with lovely crinkles!

 

Once cooled, they are ready to go in the mail - or in your stomach!

 Make your weekend a little better with molasses cookies :)