Earthquake Cookies Recipe 🍪
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 60-72 cookies
Description:
Earthquake Cookies hold a special place in my heart as they’ve been a tradition in my family for decades, often gracing our tables during Thanksgiving and Christmas. These delightful treats are not only delicious but also evoke cherished memories of baking with loved ones. Originally featured in the Dallas Morning News as part of a “Junior Chef” summer program in the mid-70s, this recipe has stood the test of time, captivating taste buds and hearts alike.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
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Cream Shortening and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine the shortening and sugar. Beat or rub the mixture with a spoon until it becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth consistency.
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Incorporate Egg and Molasses: Add the egg and molasses to the creamed mixture. Beat well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a rich and aromatic blend.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour before measuring, then sift again with the salt, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. This ensures that the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed and eliminates any lumps.
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Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring well after each addition. Mix until a cohesive dough forms, making sure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and resulting in cookies with a perfect texture.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when the cookies are shaped and ready for baking.
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Shape the Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent baking. The dough should be easy to handle but not too soft.
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Coat in Sugar: Roll each ball in granulated sugar, coating it generously for a sweet and crunchy exterior that adds a delightful contrast to the soft, chewy interior.
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Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet, allowing enough room for spreading during baking.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until they are lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-baking, as they can quickly go from golden to burnt.
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Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the cookie sheet for about 2 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
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Serve and Share: Once cooled, serve these delightful Earthquake Cookies to family and friends, and watch as smiles light up their faces with each delicious bite. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or shared as homemade gifts during the festive season, these cookies are sure to become a beloved tradition in your home as they have in mine. Enjoy! 🎉🍪
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 56.3
- Fat: 2.7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Cholesterol: 3.5mg
- Sodium: 53.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 7.6g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Sugar: 4.1g
- Protein: 0.5g
Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of orange zest to the dough.
- To make smaller or larger cookies, adjust the size of the dough balls accordingly, but remember to adjust the baking time accordingly as well.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage. Just be sure to thaw them before enjoying.
- Get creative with your coatings! Instead of granulated sugar, try rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or even crushed nuts for a variety of textures and flavors.
- Don’t skip the chilling step—it’s crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in these cookies. Plus, it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use butter instead of shortening?
A: While shortening provides a specific texture to these cookies, you can substitute an equal amount of softened butter. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Q: My cookies spread too much during baking. What did I do wrong?
A: Overly soft or warm dough can cause cookies to spread excessively. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before shaping and baking to prevent this issue.
Q: Can I freeze the dough to bake later?
A: Absolutely! Simply shape the dough into balls as instructed, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Certainly! Feel free to double or even triple the recipe to make a larger batch of cookies. Just be sure to adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a spacious mixing bowl to accommodate the increased volume of dough.
Conclusion:
With their rich molasses flavor, warm spices, and irresistible chewy texture, these Earthquake Cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven with a glass of milk or shared with loved ones as a heartfelt gift, these cookies are a delicious way to spread joy and create lasting memories. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of holiday magic with these beloved treats. Happy baking! 🍪✨
