Johns Roll Out Molasses Cookies Recipes

SOFT MOLASSES CUTOUT COOKIES

Steps:

• 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. , 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. , 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.

JOHN'S ROLL-OUT MOLASSES COOKIES

Steps:

• Mix together shortening, molasses and brown sugar. Stir in 1/4 cup cold water.
• Mix together the flour, salt and spices. Add to molasses mixture.
• Dissolve soda in 1.5 teaspoons cold water. Stir it into the above mixture.
• Gather up dough into a ball; on waxed paper, pat into a disk. Wrap up. Chill for at least an hour.
• Roll out between 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch thick. I thought 1/2-inch was a bit too thick, but it's up to you. Cut into shapes, specifically gingerbread men or bears. Gather up scraps, pat into a ball, reroll and cut into shapes, etc., until you have used most of your dough.
• On lightly greased or sprayed cookie sheets, bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes.
• These swell a little during cooking, so be sure to leave some space between them on the cookie sheets. Also, they taste better the day after baking when the spices have had a chance to meld with each other.

LONG JOHNS

Steps:

• Cream together shortening, butter and sugar until light.
• Blend in molasses and egg.
• Dissolve soda in boiling water and add to mixture.
• Add vanilla.
• Mix dry ingredients and add gradually, mixing well to make a soft dough.
• Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness.
• A little more flour may be added, only enough to make dough easy to handle.
• Cut and place on greased cookie sheets.
• Bake 375 8-10 mins.