Aunt Ruth’s Molasses Cookies

🍪 Aunt Ruth’s Molasses Cookies 🍪

Aunt Ruth’s Molasses Cookies are a classic and delicious treat that have been enjoyed for generations. These cookies are known for their rich, warm flavors and soft, chewy texture. Here’s some information about them, along with steps to prepare this delightful dessert:

📜 History:
Molasses cookies have a long history, dating back to colonial America. They were a popular treat in early American households due to the widespread availability of molasses, which was a byproduct of sugar refining. These cookies were often made in the fall and winter months, as the spices and molasses added a comforting warmth to the recipe.

📋 Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Additional granulated sugar for rolling the cookies

👩‍🍳 Preparation:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, and cloves). Set this dry mixture aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
3. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This will make it easier to handle.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in granulated sugar to coat.
7. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set, but the centers are still slightly soft.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

⏰ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Aunt Ruth’s Molasses Cookies is approximately 2 hours, including 1 hour for chilling the dough and 10-12 minutes of baking time for each batch of cookies.

Enjoy making and savoring these delightful molasses cookies! 🍪😊

🍪 Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Aunt Ruth’s Molasses Cookies 🍪

While Aunt Ruth’s Molasses Cookies are undoubtedly delicious, it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content and consider them as an occasional treat due to their high sugar and calorie content. Here’s some nutrition information and health considerations:

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximately One Cookie):

• Calories: Approximately 110-120 calories
• Total Fat: About 5-6 grams
• Saturated Fat: Around 3-4 grams
• Cholesterol: Roughly 15-20 milligrams
• Sodium: Approximately 100-150 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: About 15-18 grams
• Sugars: Around 8-10 grams
• Protein: About 1-2 grams

🔍 Health Information:

1. Caloric Content: Molasses cookies are relatively high in calories, primarily due to the sugar and butter content. It’s essential to consume them in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.

2. Sugar: These cookies contain a significant amount of sugar, which can lead to a quick energy boost but also result in a subsequent sugar crash. Excessive sugar consumption should be moderated, as it can contribute to weight gain and dental issues.

3. Fat: The butter in the cookies contributes to their fat content, particularly saturated fat. Saturated fat, when consumed in excess, can raise your cholesterol levels, so it’s advisable to enjoy molasses cookies in moderation.

4. Portion Size: Pay attention to portion sizes. It’s easy to consume more than one cookie, which can quickly add up in terms of calories and sugar intake.

5. Nutrient Content: While molasses does provide some essential minerals like iron and calcium, it’s in relatively small quantities in these cookies. There are healthier sources of these nutrients.

6. Dietary Considerations: If you have dietary restrictions or health concerns, you may need to adapt the recipe to your needs. For instance, individuals with diabetes should be cautious due to the high sugar content.

In conclusion, Aunt Ruth’s Molasses Cookies are a delightful treat to enjoy in moderation. Be mindful of your portion size and consider your dietary needs and health goals when indulging in these sweet and flavorful cookies.