Gingerbread cookies were made popular as holiday cookies when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert chose to include them with other holiday traditions in Germany.

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It is Day 3 of 5 days of Christmas cookies. I hope you are enjoying this series and the spirit of the holidays, regardless of how you celebrate. Each day this week we are featuring a different cookie recipe. The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a gingerbread cookie. So, today we are making a molasses spice cookie. If you missed the first two days, follow the links below.

• Day 1: Peanut Butter Crinkles
• Day 2: Holiday Magic Bars
• Day 3: Grandmother’s Molasses Cookies
• Day 4: Cranberry Orange Butter Cookies
• Day 5: Chocolate-Peppermint Crackle Cookies

Day 3 – Grandmother’s Molasses Cookies

The aromas wafting through the house today truly say Christmas! The combination of molasses, cinnamon and ginger is amazing and brings back memories of visits to my grandmother’s house; she always had these in her cookie jar. In addition to the great taste, they come with an added bonus — they have no sugar. The sweetness comes from the molasses. (Although I did sprinkle the tops just out of the oven. It’s optional.)

Step 1: Combine the following wet ingredients

• 2 c. molasses
• 1 c. shortening
• 1 beaten egg

Step 2: Add and Stir into ingredients from Step 1

• 1/2 c. hot water

Step 3: Sift the following dry ingredients together

• 4 c. flour
• 3 tsp. soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ginger

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Step 5: Chill, Drop and Bake

• Chill for 2 hours or overnight
• Drop teaspoon size balls onto ungreased cookie sheet
• Bake at 370 degrees F. for 10-12 mins.

NOTE: Dough will be sticky. If it seems too wet, add a small amount of flour.

Enjoy!

I’d love to hear from you. What’s your favorite cookie? Do you have a Christmas baking tradition or recipe? Use the comments box below to share your thoughts.