Transport yourself back to the pioneer days with these traditional Nauvoo Gingerbread Cookies. Made with molasses, ginger, and warm spices, these cookies are perfect for Christmas or anytime you want a taste of history. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually stir in dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
- Place coated balls on prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are set but centers are still soft.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Interesting Facts
Nauvoo Gingerbread Cookies get their name from the historic town of Nauvoo, Illinois, where early settlers enjoyed these treats.
The warm spices in these cookies were prized for their flavor and also for their health benefits in the 19th century.
Gingerbread cookies have been a favorite holiday treat in America for well over a century.