Nautical Molasses Spice Cookies
Indulge in these classic Nautical Molasses Spice Cookies, inspired by the historic Joe Froggers. These cookies originate from a town named Marblehead in Massachusetts, known to have been a favorite among sailors due to their durability and flavor. With a rich blend of spices and a deep molasses base, these cookies are perfect for those who love a soft, spicy treat. The sugar-crusted top adds just the right amount of sweetness, making them perfect for any dessert table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 cup (plus extra for sprinkling)
shortening
1/2 cup (room temperature)
molasses
1 cup (unsulfured)
water
1/2 cup (room temperature)
flour
4 cups (all-purpose)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons (ground)
baking soda
1 teaspoon
clove
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
allspice
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.
2
Gradually mix in the molasses and water until well combined.
3
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, ginger, baking soda, clove, nutmeg, and allspice.
4
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the molasses mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
6
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness.
8
Cut cookies using a 3-inch round cutter and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
9
Lightly sprinkle the tops of the cookies with additional sugar for a sweet crust.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
11
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nautical Molasses Spice Cookies?
Nautical Molasses Spice Cookies are a classic treat inspired by the historic Joe Froggers, known for their rich molasses base and blend of warm spices.
Where did these cookies originate?
These cookies originate from Marblehead, Massachusetts, a town famous for its maritime history.
Why were these cookies popular among sailors?
They were a favorite among sailors because of their durability and flavor, making them ideal for long voyages.
What is the first step in making these cookies?
The first step is to cream together the sugar and shortening in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What type of molasses is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of unsulfured molasses to provide a deep, rich flavor.
How long should the dough be refrigerated?
The dough should be covered and refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How thick should I roll the cookie dough?
Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness.
What size cookie cutter should be used?
The recipe suggests using a 3-inch round cutter to shape the cookies.
Should I grease the baking sheet before placing the cookies?
No, the cookies should be placed on an ungreased baking sheet with space between each cookie.
How do I get a sweet crust on top of the cookies?
Lightly sprinkle the tops of the cookies with additional sugar before putting them in the oven.
How long do these cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
What is the best way to cool the cookies?
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
What spices are included in the dry ingredients?
The spice blend consists of ground ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.
Does this recipe use butter?
No, this recipe uses 1/2 cup of shortening at room temperature instead of butter.
Is there egg in this cookie recipe?
This specific recipe for Nautical Molasses Spice Cookies does not list eggs as an ingredient.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of all-purpose flour.
What is the texture of these cookies?
These cookies are known for being soft and spicy treats with a sugar-crusted top.
How much ginger is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground ginger.
Can I use room temperature water?
Yes, the instructions specify using 1/2 cup of room temperature water mixed with the molasses.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients: sugar, shortening, molasses, water, flour, salt, ginger, baking soda, clove, nutmeg, and allspice.
What are Joe Froggers?
Joe Froggers are the historic inspiration for these cookies, traditionally large molasses cookies from the New England area.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include molasses cookies, spice cookies, dessert, nautical, traditional, historic, and baking.
What is the purpose of the baking soda?
The teaspoon of baking soda acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise correctly.
How much nutmeg is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
What category does this recipe fall into?
While the category field is empty in the data, the tags identify it as a dessert and a traditional New England treat.
How much allspice is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice.
Do I sift the dry ingredients together?
Yes, the instructions say to sift together the flour, salt, and various spices in a separate bowl.
Can I make these cookies without a round cutter?
While a 3-inch round cutter is recommended for the traditional look, any similar sized cutter would work.
What makes these cookies perfect for a dessert table?
Their rich spice blend and sweet sugar-crusted tops make them a flavorful and visually appealing dessert option.