Ingredients
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to creating a treat that feels both nostalgic and new:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Feel free to substitute whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth. These ingredients are pantry staples in my Charleston home, always ready for a spontaneous baking session.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures your spices are evenly distributed.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This is where patience pays off, as a well-creamed mixture gives you a tender crumb.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as my abuela always said, “A gentle hand makes for a soft bake.”
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading. These cookies should be about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International