
A historical dessert from Recipes from here and there (1900). Drop by one-fourth teaspoon three inches apart on greased cooky sheet
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Heat to boiling point very slowly, one cup molasses, one cup sugar, one cup butter
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Boil one minute
Add two cups flour, one teaspoon baking powder, one-half teaspoon baking soda
Stir well
Place over pan of hot water
Drop by one-fourth teaspoon three inches apart on greased cooky sheet
Bake four minutes at 325°
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
Boiling molasses, sugar, and butter together creates an invert sugar syrup that remains pliable when cooled, allowing the cookies to spread dramatically in the oven. The high sugar-to-flour ratio (2:1) and minimal leavening produce the characteristic lacy, crisp texture as moisture evaporates rapidly during baking. Keeping the batter warm over hot water maintains its fluid consistency, ensuring even spreading and preventing premature cooling that would create thick, uneven cookies.
The batter can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To use, place the container over a pan of simmering water and stir occasionally until the batter returns to a fluid, pourable consistency (about 10-15 minutes). Do not microwave, as uneven heating will compromise the texture.
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 1 week. Do not refrigerate, as humidity will make them sticky and lose their crisp texture. If cookies soften, re-crisp them in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The batter can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To use, place the container over a pan of simmering water and stir occasionally until the batter returns to a fluid, pourable consistency (about 10-15 minutes). Do not microwave, as uneven heating will compromise the texture.
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 1 week. Do not refrigerate, as humidity will make them sticky and lose their crisp texture. If cookies soften, re-crisp them in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.