During the Civil War, sugar was scarce and rationed due to the Union blockades preventing the importation of sugar from the ports in Louisiana, Florida and the Carribean to the ports in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Molasses was often used as a replacement for sugar – which was also less expensive to use.  

Soldiers would often, when possible, receive care packages from their loved ones at home which included cookies, cakes and socks. Molasses Cookies were a popular cookie to send to the soldiers during this time.  

Molasses Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

3/4 cup shortening

1/4 cup molasses

1 egg ¼ teaspoon salt 

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda 

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  

In a medium bowl, add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves and salt.  Whisk until combined. Set the bowl aside. 

In large bowl, add the brown sugar, shortening, molasses and egg and mix until thoroughly blended. Stir in the flour mixture and mix well.  

Shape the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls into 1 1/2-inch balls. Dip into a small bowl of granulated sugar. Place the cookie balls onto an ungreased baking sheet and space 2 inches apart. 

Bake for 13 to 16 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set. Remove the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.