Delicious Joe-Froggers - Traditional American Soft Molasses Cookies

4 stars
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Delicious Joe-Froggers - Traditional American Soft Molasses Cookies
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on February 07, 2024

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

  1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the molasses, vanilla extract, and dark rum.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and black pepper.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in confectioners' sugar, ensuring they are fully coated.
  8. Place the coated balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and set around the edges.
  10. 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.
  11. Repeat with the remaining dough, baking in batches.
  12. 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.