There’s something undeniably comforting about the rich, spicy aroma of molasses cookies baking in the oven. The Brer Rabbit Molasses Cookie recipe is a timeless treat that has been cherished for generations.
These cookies boast a perfect balance of deep molasses flavor, warm spices, and a chewy yet slightly crisp texture that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy afternoon snack, or a sweet addition to your cookie platter, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
The secret lies in the quality molasses and just the right blend of spices, creating a cookie that’s robust, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions to make these delightful cookies from scratch. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to customize the recipe to suit your taste and ideas for serving them up in style.
So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of Brer Rabbit Molasses Cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out because it perfectly captures the rich, deep flavor of molasses combined with aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Unlike many molasses cookies that can be dry or overly sweet, Brer Rabbit Molasses Cookies are satisfyingly chewy with just a hint of crunch on the edges.
Another reason you’ll love it is the simplicity. The ingredients are pantry staples, and the process is straightforward enough for bakers of all skill levels.
Plus, these cookies store well, making them ideal for making ahead or gifting during the busy holiday season.
Lastly, these cookies have a nostalgic charm with a history that adds a little storytelling magic to your baking. When you bite into one, you’re tasting a piece of tradition!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses (preferably unsulphured)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking sheet(s)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Instructions
- Prepare your dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add egg and molasses: Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Scoop and roll: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll each scoop into a ball. Roll the balls in granulated sugar to coat thoroughly.
- Arrange and bake: Place the sugared dough balls on the baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly browned but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy! Serve warm or store in an airtight container once fully cooled.
Tips & Variations
“For a deeper, richer flavor, try using blackstrap molasses instead of regular molasses. It’s less sweet and more robust.”
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a more complex spice profile.
- Make them extra chewy: Substitute half of the butter with shortening or add an extra egg yolk.
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Mix-ins: Fold in chopped crystallized ginger, raisins, or chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Cookie (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 110 kcal |
Fat | 5 g |
Saturated Fat | 3 g |
Carbohydrates | 15 g |
Sugars | 9 g |
Protein | 1 g |
Fiber | 0.5 g |
Sodium | 90 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These molasses cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful dessert, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
They also make a lovely addition to holiday cookie platters and gift boxes.
For a festive touch, try sandwiching two cookies together with cream cheese frosting or marshmallow fluff. Their robust spice flavor balances well with creamy, sweet fillings.
And don’t forget to keep a jar handy for unexpected guests or a cozy night in—you’ll find these cookies hard to resist!
Conclusion
The Brer Rabbit Molasses Cookie recipe is a wonderful blend of nostalgic charm and modern baking simplicity. These cookies bring warmth and spice to your kitchen, making them perfect for any occasion from holiday celebrations to everyday indulgences.
With their chewy texture and rich molasses flavor, they’re sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. Plus, the flexibility with spices and add-ins allows you to make it your own.
So next time you crave something sweet and comforting, reach for this recipe and enjoy the timeless delight of Brer Rabbit Molasses Cookies.
Looking for more delicious cookie ideas? Check out our Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and Peanut Butter Cookies recipes for more baking inspiration!
📖 Recipe Card: Brer Rabbit Molasses Cookie Recipe
Description: These molasses cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm spices. Perfect for a cozy treat with a rich, deep flavor.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in egg and molasses until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each in granulated sugar.
- Place balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 18 g
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