I have admitted several times on this blog that I am not a big
cookie baker.
For me to bake cookies, they have to meet at least one of these
qualifications: 1.) I can taste the butter; 2.) the recipe holds a memory; 3.)
they are really easy; or 4.) I can taste the butter.
Today’s cookies hold a memory for me. and they are easy. Alas,
you really can’t taste the butter… but two out of four criteria? Not bad.
They are one of the Christmas cookies Mom baked when we were
kids.
Made with all the flavor and spices that evoke the holidays –
molasses, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger – they make me smile with the memories.
Perfect with a cup of cocoa, a pot of tea, afternoon coffee, or
even a Santa cup filled with milk, they are sure to take you back to your
childhood, even if your mother didn’t bake them.
I wish everyone peace at this year-end – and boundless joy,
abundant love, and culinary adventures when-and-wherever they can be found.
~ David
Molasses Crinkles
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
large pinch salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/3 cup coarse sugar
Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the
butter and sugar. Add the egg and beat until light and fluffy. Add molasses and
mix in thoroughly. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon,
ginger, and cloves in a medium bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed
butter mixture, and beat until fully incorporated. using a teaspoon, scoop some dough and then roll it between the palms of your hands, shaping it into walnut-sized
balls; dip the tops in the coarse sugar, and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12 minutes; allow to cool for 5
minutes, then place the cookies on racks to finish cooling.
Makes 4 dozen cookies.
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| A pop-up diorama we bought in Salzburg last summer. |
Karen (Back Road Journal)
December 24, 2016 at 7:22 pmMemory cookies are the best…it doesn't matter about that taste of butter. Merry Christmas to you both.
Cocoa & Lavender
December 25, 2016 at 9:29 amYou are right, Karen… where memory is involved, the butter doesn't matter. In fact, I am sure my mother made these either with Crisco or margarine!
he needs food
December 25, 2016 at 12:03 pmI agree with you about the butter. A good cookie is one with a lot of butter!
Have you ever tried an ANZAC biscuit? Not a huge amount of butter, but they're pretty tasty.
Merry Christmas to you and Mark, by the way, and have a fab New Year, from me and Dean xx
Cocoa & Lavender
December 26, 2016 at 7:06 amYou know, John, I have not tried an ANZAC biscuit. I have seen posts from you all in Australia about them. Will have to give them a try!
Love living vicariously through your and Dean's travels!
Caroline @ Pinch Me, I'm Eating!
December 25, 2016 at 6:45 pmI love molasses cookies, and I like your cookie criteria! My criteria would be memories, can taste the butter, and chewy. There are very few cookies I like crunchy!
Cocoa & Lavender
December 26, 2016 at 7:07 amI am with you all the way, Caroline – cookies must be chewy!
Anonymous
December 25, 2016 at 8:27 pmYummy! These make me think of my Norwegian grandma, Nora. She also called them crinkles.
Feliz Navidad! (can't make my computer do the upside down exclamation mark, I'm so ashamed)
Cocoa & Lavender
December 26, 2016 at 7:08 am¡Feliz Navidad! (The updated down exclamation point is much easier on an iPad!) I wish I knew the provenance of my mother's recipe – maybe it is Norwegian?
Cheri Savory Spoon
December 26, 2016 at 9:21 pmI'm not a big cookie baker myself but I do enjoy homemade cookies. Thanks for sharing these wonderful memory cookies with us. Happy holidays!
Cocoa & Lavender
January 1, 2017 at 11:19 amCheri – it is funny how many of us aren't cookie bakers. There much be a good reason… and it isn't because I don't love good cookies!
Nutmeg
December 27, 2016 at 10:09 pmLove! Please send over any cookies you are not eating 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
January 1, 2017 at 11:20 amOh, Carolyne…. silly girl! They all get eaten! 🙂
Inger @ Art of Natural Living
December 29, 2016 at 7:34 pmI chuckled when you mentioned "taste the butter" (then chuckled again). But Molasses cookies are perfect for Christmas! Hope your holidays are going well!
Cocoa & Lavender
January 1, 2017 at 11:20 amMy holidays were very buttery, thanks! Hope yours were, too, Inger!
Marcelle
December 29, 2016 at 8:03 pmI love, love, love molasses cookies, David! These look delicious and yes, they are a perfect Christmastime cookie 🙂 Happy holidays to you and Mark!!
Cocoa & Lavender
January 1, 2017 at 11:21 amThat is quiet the compliment coming from the Queen of Cookies! Thanks, Marcelle A Happy New Year!
Frank
December 30, 2016 at 2:19 pmI'll make a shocking confession, David: I've never baked a single cookie in my life. But I mean to correct that sometime soon—and your recipe looks like a great place to start.
Cocoa & Lavender
January 1, 2017 at 11:22 amNot one, Frank? That is a surprise but not a shock! Whenever you bake your first, you'll have to let me know!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com
December 30, 2016 at 6:10 pmDavid, this is a beautiful cookie. Even if you can't taste the butter. That made me smile because I just posted a new cookie story in which butter plays a part. I would be lost without butter!
Cocoa & Lavender
January 1, 2017 at 11:22 amThose cookies with the orange peel look incredible, Jean!
Gerlinde de Broekert
December 31, 2016 at 3:42 pmI like your criteria for cookies. I love molasses and your cookies look great. I hope your holidays were peaceful and I wish you a happy and healthy New Year.
Cocoa & Lavender
January 1, 2017 at 11:23 amThank, Gerlinde! I hope you have a wonderful 2017!
Christina | Christina's Cucina
January 2, 2017 at 11:18 pmYou look like a great cookie baker to me! Lovely looking cookies, David! Perfect for gift giving, too!
Provence WineZine
February 5, 2017 at 4:41 pmThese little jewels look like they would be good any time of year!