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Virginia’s 100-Year-Old Molasses Cookies

Virginia's Molasses Cookies, a recipe that has been around for a century and is still popular despite the constantly shifting culinary trends, are one of my all-time favorites. These cookies have a deep, rich molasses flavor and are soft, chewy, and warmly spiced.
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Course: Baking, Dessert, Treat
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup shortening use 1 stick margarine + ½ stick butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup molasses heaping
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Cream the shortening and sugar:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shortening (margarine + butter) and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
Add the wet ingredients:
  1. Mix in the heaping ¼ cup of molasses and the egg until well combined.
Mix the dry ingredients:
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine wet and dry:
  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Shape the cookies:
  1. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If desired, roll each ball in additional granulated sugar for a crackled, sugary top.
Bake:
  1. Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops begin to crack.
Cool:
  1. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Enjoy!