Sarah BrownBefore diving into the recipe, let’s talk pairings. These delightful cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with various accompaniments. Here are a few ideas: Hot Beverages, Cold Milk, Ice Cream, Fruit Compote.
Welcome to my kitchen, where today we delve into a classic, deeply nostalgic recipe: Brer Rabbit Molasses Gingerbread Cookies. These cookies have been a favorite in my family for generations, and I’m excited to share them with you. Brer Rabbit Molasses gives these cookies their rich, signature flavor that sets them apart from any store-bought version you might have tried.
Why This Recipe Works
- Rich Flavor Profile: The inclusion of Brer Rabbit Molasses brings a robust and deeply flavored sweetness that pairs perfectly with a blend of warm spices.
- Perfect Texture: Balancing vegetable shortening and boiling water creates a dough that produces cookies with a delightful snap on the edges and a perfectly chewy center.
- Well-Balanced Spices: The combination of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg creates a symphony of holiday flavors that feel both comforting and festive.
- Easy to Make: No need for fancy kitchen gadgets. This recipe relies on basic kitchen tools and straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can master.
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How Do These Cookies Taste?
Delicious and comforting. The first bite delivers a hit of ginger and cinnamon, followed by the complex sweetness of the molasses. There’s a bit of heat from the freshly grated nutmeg and crystallized ginger, all wrapped up in a chewy center and slightly crispy edges.
What Sets This Recipe Apart?
Many gingerbread cookie recipes lack the depth that Brer Rabbit Molasses provides. It ensures that each cookie is rich in flavor and has a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that’s hard to beat. Using crystallized ginger instead of just ground spices offers a delightful burst of flavor.
The Ingredients
Gather the following before you start:
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 cup Brer Rabbit Molasses
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped crystallized ginger
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the egg and sugar together until well blended. Add the vegetable shortening and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Add Molasses
Stir in the Brer Rabbit Molasses and boiling water. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, sea salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth dough. Fold in the crystallized ginger.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Using a spoon, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you prefer, you can roll the dough into small balls for more uniform cookies.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The cookies should be firm but still slightly soft in the center. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: For even better results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, ensure your spices are fresh. Stale spices can dull the taste.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture.
- Substitute Shortening: If you don’t have vegetable shortening, you can use an equal amount of unsalted butter.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
How to Store the Cookies
These brer rabbit molasses gingerbread cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them. Just place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to three months.
Sides for Brer Rabbit Molasses Gingerbread Cookies
- Apple Cinnamon Compote: The natural sweetness of apples paired with a hint of cinnamon complements the spiciness of the gingerbread cookies.
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy and subtle flavor of vanilla bean ice cream balances the robust flavors of the molasses.
- Warm Chai Tea: The blend of spices in chai tea highlights the ginger and cinnamon in the cookies, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients?
- Molasses: If you don’t have Brer Rabbit Molasses, dark treacle or sorghum syrup are good substitutes, offering a similarly deep flavor.
- Vegetable Shortening: Unsalted butter or coconut oil can be used in place of vegetable shortening, though it may slightly alter the texture.
- Crystallized Ginger: If you can’t find crystallized ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice can be used for a similar spicy-sweet kick.
- Freshly Grated Nutmeg: Ground nutmeg can be used if you don’t have fresh nutmeg. Use the same amount specified in the recipe.
Brer rabbit molasses gingerbread cookie recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 cup Brer Rabbit Molasses
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped crystallized ginger
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, beat the egg and sugar together until well blended. Add the vegetable shortening and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Add Molasses
- Stir in the Brer Rabbit Molasses and boiling water. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, sea salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth dough. Fold in the crystallized ginger.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
- Using a spoon, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you prefer, you can roll the dough into small balls for more uniform cookies.
Step 6: Bake
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The cookies should be firm but still slightly soft in the center. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: For even better results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, ensure your spices are fresh. Stale spices can dull the taste.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture.
- Substitute Shortening: If you don’t have vegetable shortening, you can use an equal amount of unsalted butter.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy for up to a week.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make this Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use coconut oil instead of shortening.
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour?
You can use whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser. To balance this, you may want to use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend you choose contains a binding agent like xanthan gum.
Can I Add Nuts to this Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great crunchy addition. Add about 1/2 cup to the dough when folding in the crystallized ginger.
Conclusion
There you have it! A scrumptious, easy-to-make Brer Rabbit Molasses Gingerbread Cookie recipe that’s full of flavor and holiday cheer. These cookies are sure to become a beloved tradition in your home, as they are in mine. So, go ahead and whip up a batch. You’re in for a treat!
