Aunt Carol’s Molasses Sugar Cookies

🍪 Aunt Carol’s Molasses Sugar Cookies 🍪

History:
Aunt Carol’s Molasses Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat with a rich history of being a beloved family recipe passed down through generations. The recipe is cherished for its warm, spiced flavor and soft, chewy texture, making it a comforting and timeless classic.

Components:
You will need the following ingredients to make these delicious cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Additional granulated sugar (for rolling)

Steps to Prepare Aunt Carol’s Molasses Sugar Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can be done with an electric mixer or by hand.

3. Add Molasses: Pour in the molasses and continue to mix until well combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and the spices (cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg). Mix these dry ingredients well.

5. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar-molasses mixture until fully incorporated.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth, soft cookie dough forms.

7. Shape the Cookies: Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in additional granulated sugar to coat it.

8. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them as they will spread during baking.

9. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and crackled on top. Be careful not to overbake; you want them to be soft and chewy.

10. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Once they’ve cooled, enjoy your Aunt Carol’s Molasses Sugar Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage!

Time Needed:
The total time to prepare these cookies will vary depending on your baking experience, but it generally takes about 30 minutes for preparation and an additional 10-12 minutes for baking. In total, you can expect to have a batch of these delicious cookies ready in approximately 40-45 minutes.

Enjoy baking these wonderful cookies, and share them with your loved ones! 🍪😊🥛

Here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Carol’s Molasses Sugar Cookies. Please note that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on a typical recipe yield):

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120-150 calories
• Total Fat: 5-7 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
• Cholesterol: 20-30 mg
• Sodium: 100-150 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 17-20 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.3-0.5 grams
  • Sugars: 9-12 grams
• Protein: 1-2 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderation: Aunt Carol’s Molasses Sugar Cookies are a delicious treat but are not considered a health food. They are relatively high in calories and sugar. Enjoy them in moderation as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily snack.

2. Saturated Fat: These cookies contain some saturated fat from the butter. While some saturated fat is okay in a balanced diet, it’s essential to limit intake to maintain heart health. Opt for unsaturated fats when possible.

3. Added Sugars: Molasses and granulated sugar contribute to the sweetness of these cookies. Be mindful of your sugar intake, as excessive consumption of added sugars can lead to health issues like obesity and dental problems.

4. Portion Control: When enjoying these cookies, be mindful of portion sizes. One or two cookies at a time can help control calorie and sugar intake.

5. Balanced Diet: Balance your diet with a variety of nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy or dairy alternatives. Cookies should be an occasional treat within this balanced diet.

6. Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade cookies allow you to control the ingredients and potentially make healthier substitutions, like using whole wheat flour or reducing sugar. Store-bought cookies often contain more additives and preservatives.

Remember, the nutritional content and health impact of Aunt Carol’s Molasses Sugar Cookies can vary based on the specific recipe and how they are prepared. Adjusting ingredients, such as using less sugar or healthier fats, can make them a slightly better choice if you’re looking for a more health-conscious option.