Soft Molasses Cutout Cookies

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min./batch

Makes

about 6-1/2 dozen

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
I received this recipe years ago, when my husband and I managed a retirement home. We'd always put out homemade cookies for morning and afternoon coffee, and these were the first to disappear.
Soft Molasses Cutout Cookies Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup dark molasses
  • 5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Frosting or confectioners' sugar, optional

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with water, beating well after each addition. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or until easy to handle.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with 2-1/2-in. cookie cutters dipped in flour. Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
  3. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until edges are firm. Remove to wire racks to cool. Frost or dust with confectioners' sugar if desired.

Nutrition Facts

2 each: 156 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.