Molasses Cookies (Gingerbread Men)

I had so much fun leading a Food Demo for a  group staying at Tuscarora Inn and Conference Center yesterday.  Two of the recipes that I demonstrated are already on our blog. You can check out Homemade Granola here and Pumpkin Pie Cake here. The third recipe, Molasses Cookies, is another family favorite.   These cookies showed up in my lunch box often when I was a child.   I love this recipe because it calls for simple ingredients that I usually have around my home.  It’s also a great dough for making cut-out cookies at Christmas (or anytime!).  My son loves it when I make them into the shape of footballs and pipe white icing on for the laces.  We also package mini gingerbread men for Christmas gift giving.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup shortening

1 cup brown sugar

1 egg

3 tablespoons molasses

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 1/4 cup flour

Directions:

Mix above ingredients.  Roll out dough on floured surface and cut into shapes or roll into balls, coat with sugar and flatten.  Bake for approximately 10 minutes at 350 degrees.  Frost with Royal Icing if desired.

*note:  If using this recipe for cut-out cookies, chill the dough for a few hours before rolling.  This will make the dough much easier to work with.  The dough also freezes well so feel free to make ahead of time and store until you’re ready for baking and decorating.

People love these happy mini gingerbread men and we enjoy giving them away at the Hope Craft Market the first weekend in December.  I know it’s early, but I like to at least start planning ahead for Christmas gift giving and homemade gifts from your kitchen are always welcome!

Or simply enjoy these cookies year round like we do.  You don’t need an excuse to enjoy these cookies!

Elizabeth