Virginia’s Molasses Cookies
A treasured family recipe passed down from my grandmother, Virginia, who was a culinary instructor and lived to over 100 years. These cookies are soft, spiced, and timeless. Four generations later, they’re still a favorite — and they just might become one of yours too!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup shortening (I use 1 stick margarine and 1/2 stick butter)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses (heaping)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Extra sugar for rolling and pressing
Instructions
- Cream together the shortening and sugar in a large bowl.
- Add the molasses and blend well.
- Beat in the egg until smooth.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices in a separate bowl.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in sugar.
- Flatten slightly with the bottom of a juice glass dipped in sugar. Place cookies 2 inches apart on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Transfer immediately to a wire rack or paper toweling to cool.
Pro Tip: For extra chewy cookies, remove them from the oven when the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
