Maine Multi-Spice Cookies (Maine Chewies)
Description
Adapted from a treasured recipe found in Yankee Magazine, these Maine Multi-Spice Cookies are steeped in the rich traditions of Maine. Known to be a popular treat on the Maine schooner “Mary Day,” these cookies offer a beautiful balance of warming spices. If you’re a fan of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, these chewy cookies might become your new favorite! The dough is best mixed with a wooden spoon to ensure the perfect texture—an electric mixer can overwork the dough, creating a tough result. Follow these simple steps for a delightful spice cookie with the perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet unsalted butter | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 2 1/2 cups |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Ground cloves | 1 tsp |
| Ginger | 1 tsp |
| Ground cardamom | 1/2 tsp |
| Nutmeg | 1/2 tsp |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Molasses | 1/4 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 4 cups |
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 106.1 kcal |
| Fat | 3.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 12.9 mg |
| Sodium | 93.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 17.6 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugars | 10.2 g |
| Protein | 1.1 g |
Recipe Yield
This recipe yields about 4 1/2 dozen cookies (54 cookies).
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and salt. Using a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients together until they are well-combined. Take your time to ensure the spices are evenly distributed for a consistent flavor in each bite. -
Dissolve Baking Soda
In a small bowl or measuring cup, dissolve the baking soda in the warm water. Stir this mixture into the butter and sugar mixture, making sure it’s evenly incorporated. This step is crucial as it helps the cookies achieve a tender, chewy texture. -
Add Molasses and Egg
Add the molasses and lightly beaten egg to the bowl, stirring to combine thoroughly. Molasses not only adds sweetness but also gives the cookies their distinctive rich, dark color and flavor. Stir well to ensure that the molasses and egg are fully blended into the dough. -
Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, one cup at a time. After each addition, stir thoroughly, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure an even mix. By the end, the dough will be quite stiff and should hold its shape when scooped. -
Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough into walnut-sized balls, about 1 tablespoon each, and place them onto greased or parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing will give each cookie room to spread slightly while baking. -
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the cookies are crackled and browned on the tops. They may look quite soft in the center, but as long as they lift easily with a spatula, they’re ready. -
Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 1 minute, allowing them to firm up slightly. Then, use a spatula to carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack. Once cooled, these cookies should have a delightful, chewy texture.
Tips for Perfect Maine Multi-Spice Cookies
- Using a Wooden Spoon: Mixing by hand with a wooden spoon helps keep the dough from becoming overworked, ensuring a tender, chewy cookie.
- Watch the Baking Time Carefully: These cookies should be soft and chewy in the center, so avoid over-baking. They’ll continue to firm up slightly as they cool.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like them softer, add a slice of bread to the container to keep them moist.
Enjoy these Maine-inspired spice cookies with a warm drink or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
