Secret Spice Cookies
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup soft shortening (like Crisco®) or use softened butter
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon black pepper
Additional sugar for dipping tops of cookies
Preheat the oven to 350º. Cream the sugar and shortening (or butter) together until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the egg and then the molasses. Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Add to the sugar mixture and and thoroughly combine to form a dough.
Form dough into 1-inch balls and dip tops in additional sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased (or parchment-lined, my choice) cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350º, or until set. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.
Happy Baking!
Ah ha! Pepper...well I won’t be mentioning that ingredient to the fussy grands. 😉
ReplyDeleteI don't think they will know, Vee. As you know by now, my hubby couldn't figure out the secret spice, but he really liked the cookies. I thought them delicious and plan on baking a second batch.
DeleteFather in law used to make molasses coookies.... dh did it a few times. I think I'll get him to make some during the holidays.
ReplyDeleteYes, molasses cookies are wonderful during the holidays. There's just something so cozy about the molasses and spice flavors!
DeleteMy Great Aunt used to make Pfefernuiss Cookies. It translates from German as "Pepper Nuts" one ingredient was indeed ground black pepper.
ReplyDeleteNeighbors of ours when I was growing up were a German family. They included pfefferneuse in an assortment of German cookies they shared with us every Christmas.
Delete