Grandma's Traditional Molasses Cookies

A cherished family recipe for classic molasses cookies that are sure to warm your heart and delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

½	cup vegetable shortening
½	cup lard
1	cup brown sugar, lightly packed
¾	cup blackstrap molasses
2	eggs
½	cup coffee
2	tablespoons white vinegar
1	teaspoon cinnamon
1	teaspoon ground ginger
1	teaspoon baking soda
½	teaspoon salt
4 ½	all-purpose flour, plus additional if needed

Instructions

• 1. In a large bowl, cream together the vegetable shortening, lard, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate the rest of the wet ingredients.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, about a third at a time. The dough should have a slightly stiff consistency. Add up to an additional 1/2 cup of flour if necessary. Chill the dough for several hours.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350º F, positioning racks in the upper and lower middle positions. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface or between two layers of parchment paper. Minimal flour usage during rolling will result in more tender cookies.
  4. Cut out the dough into desired shapes and place them on cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack. While still warm, sprinkle with sugar or allow them to cool completely before frosting with American buttercream or royal icing to your liking. Tradition in our family includes both sugar toppings and frosted variations. During Christmas, we often gather as a family to decorate them together.

Jul 19, 2024