Desserts > American Cookies > Molasses Cookies

Molasses Hermit Cookies Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

4. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until just combined.

6. Stir in raisins and chopped walnuts.

7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.

9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

10. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
Makes about 24 cookies

Nutritional information:
Per serving (1 cookie):
Calories: 150
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 95mg
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 13g
Protein: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of raisins, you can use dried cranberries or chopped dates.
- Instead of walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 tsp of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
- Replace the raisins with chocolate chips for a sweeter cookie.
- Add 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper to the dough for a spicy kick.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to measure the flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the cookies, place them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Garnishes:
Sprinkle the cookies with chopped walnuts or drizzle with melted chocolate.

Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a glass of cold milk or hot tea.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve the cookies with a fruit salad or a cheese plate.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cookies are too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the dough.
- If the cookies are too wet, add a tablespoon of flour to the dough.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils and surfaces that come into contact with the dough to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Food history:
Hermit cookies are a traditional New England cookie that dates back to the 1800s. They were originally made with molasses, raisins, and spices, and were often served during the holidays.

Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a warm, spicy flavor from the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and a rich sweetness from the molasses and raisins.

Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a dessert or snack.

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Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Chewy, Molasses, Molasses-Y