Enjoy the classic American taste of Joe-Froggers with this easy recipe. These soft and chewy molasses cookies are a traditional treat that can be enjoyed any time of the year. Made with rich flavors of molasses, spices, and a hint of rum, these cookies are perfect for holiday parties, afternoon tea, or just as a sweet indulgence. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistible Joe-Froggers!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) dark rum
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup (120g) confectioners' sugar, for rolling
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the molasses, vanilla extract, and dark rum.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and black pepper.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in confectioners' sugar, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Place the coated balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and set around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat with the remaining dough, baking in batches.
- Serve and enjoy these delightful Joe-Froggers!
Interesting Facts
Joe-Froggers are traditional New England molasses cookies that originated in Marblehead, Massachusetts.
These cookies got their name from a local legend of a tavern owner named Joe Brown who would bake them for sailors. The cookies were so good that they would attract frogs from the nearby pond, hence the name 'Joe-Froggers.'
The addition of dark rum in Joe-Froggers gives them a unique flavor and adds a touch of warmth to the cookies.
The use of spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and black pepper enhances the taste and aroma of these soft molasses cookies.
Joe-Froggers are perfect for dunking in a glass of milk, pairing with a cup of hot tea, or enjoying on their own as a delightful sweet treat.