Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies

So, its Monday and its raining again. I'm trying hard to get in the holiday spirit but this rain and unseasonably warm temperatures are straining credibility.  So I think its time to do a little baking!

Here is a recipe that always says Christmas to me. It was handed down from my Grandmother McGarity. I have no idea where she got the recipe. I got it from my Mom. She has it written down in a little black notebook where she keeps all the recipes her mother gave her when she was married.

These are strong flavored cookies. They are similar to gingerbread cookies but have more flavor.  The full cup of molasses and the brown sugar really comes through. My Mom always makes these at Christmas. They are great with a little powdered sugar on top and a cup of strong black tea. Enjoy!

Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies

Preheat oven to 375 degrees



3 1/2 cups sifted all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter or margarine

2/3 cup brown sugar packed tight

1 cup molasses (unsulfured)

1 cup buttermilk

Sift all the dry ingredients together in a wide bowl or onto a piece of waxed paper.

In an electric mixer, cream the butter until light and fluffy, two minutes. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy three or four more minutes. Add molasses and mix thoroughly. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture alternating with the milk . Continue adding flour mixture and milk, ending with milk. Drop batter by rounded tablespoon fulls on parchment lined cookie sheets. Spread batter slightly with the back of a spoon. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove cookies from oven and transfer cookies to wire racks to cool. When almost cool, dust with a little powered sugar using a fine mesh sieve.