Grandma’s Molasses Cookies

When we started having children, my husband and I really began to think about the traditions that we wanted to establish with our family each year during the Christmas season: decorating the tree, an Advent wreath, Christmas Eve… As we slowly began to merge traditions we each had growing up, there was one thing that became a Christmas Eve staple – Grandma’s Molasses Cookies.

Many years ago my husband’s grandmother wrote the recipe for me, and it has become a treasured recipe for our family.  Now every year for Christmas Eve, I mix up a batch of the molasses cookies, set the batter in the fridge to cool while we attend the Christmas Eve service at our church and then pop them in the oven while the kids get ready to open one present before going to bed.

Why we only make these once a year is really beyond me – maybe it’s just the special memories that surround the cookies, but they are so yummy with a glass of milk. This year if you would like to make your own batch of goodness, here’s what you will need to gather:

Grandma’s Molasses Cookies

What You’ll Need

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. cloves

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 cup shortening

1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup sugar

1/4 molasses

1 egg

What To Do

1. Mix the shortening and the 1 cup of sugar together. Add in the molasses and the egg.

2. Mix dry ingredients together separately and then add into the shortening mixture til combined.

3. Chill 1 hour.

4. Form into 1” balls and roll in 1/4 cup of sugar.

5. Place on greased cookie sheet about 2” apart. Bake at 375 for 8 to 10 minutes.

Note: You may have noticed two different cookies on our Christmas plate. We also made Snickerdoodle cookies.

Snickerdoodle Cookies

What You’ll Need

1 3/4 cup sugar

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 stick of butter, softened

1/2 cup veg. shortening {butter Crisco}

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

2 tsp. cream of tartar

1/2 tsp. salt

2 large eggs

What To Do

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine the sugar with cinnamon and a small bowl. Set aside.
2. Beat butter, shortening and remaining 1 1/2 cup sugar in a large bowl. Add eggs. Add flour mixture.
3. Using wet hands, roll 2 Tbsp. of dough into a ball and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.
4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

This post is a part of the series A Cookie A Day Until Christmas.

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Jolanthe {pronounced Yo-lawn-the} is a mom to 4 children that range in age from 5 up to 10 ~ two girls and two boys. She is the founder of Homeschool Creations where you’ll find free educational printables, helpful tips and resources for families, a homeschool planner to help you get organized, and encouragement for your homeschool journey. You can connect with her on: Facebook and Twitter.

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