Description

These deeply spiced molasses cookies are rich, aromatic, and filled with old-world holiday flavor. Anise, cardamom, and black pepper give them a complex, nostalgic warmth, while a final dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect snowy finish. Doubling the batch makes enough to share—and a few creative twists give them modern flair.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup molasses

½ cup honey

½ cup shortening

½ cup margarine or unsalted butter

4 large eggs

8 cups all-purpose flour

1½ cups white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

4 teaspoons anise extract

4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3 teaspoons ground cardamom

3 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cloves

2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons ground ginger

2 teaspoons ground black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)

Optional Twists:

Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to the dough for citrus brightness

Fold in 1 cup chopped candied ginger or dark chocolate chunks

Dip half of each cookie in white or dark chocolate once cooled

Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder for depth

Instructions

In a saucepan, melt molasses, honey, shortening, and margarine until smooth. Let cool slightly.

In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugars. Mix in cooled molasses mixture and anise extract.

In another bowl, whisk flour with all spices, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients to form a stiff dough. Chill for 1–2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into balls or shapes.

Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake 10–12 minutes. Cool slightly, then dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours
Cook Time: 10–12 mins

Nutrition

Calories: 95 Per Cookie
Sugar: 9g Per Cookie
Sodium: 50mg Per Cookie
Fat: 3g Per Cookie
Carbohydrates: 15g Per Cookie
Protein: 1g Per Cookie