Memo's Molasses Cookies

Submitted by laurenpie

"Delicious, soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. This is actually a vintage WWII Brer Rabbit "Molasses Sugar Cookie" recipe from when sugar was rationed. As odd as it seems, DO use butter-flavored SHORTENING and NOT butter, the taste is buttery anyway and shortening will give you that perfect texture. Chilling the dough is also a must. Original recipe says "yields 4 dozen", but we only end up with 2 dozen. Prep time doesn't include chilling time. Family Note: Memo is Mom-Mom's mother: Verdis Pierce Reasoner."

 

• Ready In: 52mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Yields: 24 cookies
• Serves: 24

ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 1⁄4 cup unsulphured molasses
• 1 large egg (not jumbo)
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon clove
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

directions

1. Melt shortening, cool. Add sugar, molasses and egg; beat well.
2. Sift dry ingredients, add to first mixture and mix well.
3. Chill thoroughly (for at least a few hours, we chill overnight).
4. Form into 1" balls, roll in granulated sugar and place on greased cookie sheet 2-3 inches apart.
5. Bake at 375 degrees for 7-8 minutes. Cookies should be light, pillowy and soft, not dark and crispy.

Reviews

[Douglas B.]

These are my favorite cookies EVER! I have made them for years and people never believe that I made then because they are so round. I was surprised at a church picnic how the kids loved them. I would have thought they would hate them. I made them for a cookie exchange at my church and my pastors wife made the same ones. When I went to try hers, she said I wasn't allowed because mine were better. I didn't care if mine were better or not, I just wanted to try hers because she is a fabulous baker and cook. I would recommend this recipe to anyone.

 

[Joieful]

This is the exact same recipe that used to be on the back of the Brer Rabbit Molasses bottle. I had that recipe memorized when I was a kid in 4-H. First year 4-H I entered these cookies as my project. Went to State Fair where I got a blue ribbon. Down through the family several nieces & nephews have also competed in 4-H foods. Naturally this was the recipe they used -- always with excellent results. Also entered these cookies in open class at the fair as an adult -- always with good results. THIS RECIPE IS A KEEPER!!!

 

[puppitypup]

These cookies are addictive! The taste is great, and the texture is slightly crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside, yum!