I’d never given molasses much thought until two months ago, when sister Jen commented how much she loved it. I was like, “Hm. Really? Can’t think of many things I’ve even eaten with molasses in it.” Naturally, right after that conversation, it seemed like every single recipe I spotted had molasses. It was stalking me.
Then I got this cookbook. And with molasses fresh on my mind, I decided to try these first. (That’s a big deal, people! They beat out Cream Cheese Cookies, Brown Sugar Cookies, and So Cocoa Cookies.) It certainly wasn’t without contemplation. I’m not much of a crunchy cookie gal. Or so I thought.
After my 4th one, I said to Paul, “these would be so perfect with a cup of coffee or tea,” to which he replied, “or people like you who don’t drink either.” Bottom line…you can’t not like these. Crispy and rich, with a spectacular exterior coating of sugar. They melt away in your mouth.
Now, those other cookies I mentioned above? I did eventually make them, too. So good. Sigh. I do love cookies.
I also love a great company and a great cause. It’s no secret how much I adore the folks at OXO and Cookies for Kids Cancer, an organization which was founded in 2007 by Gretchen Holt-Witt after her 2 1/2 year old son Liam was diagnosed. Sadly, he lost his battle. But Gretchen forged on. Four years later and several hundred thousand cookies and bake sales later, Cookies for Kids Cancer has raised millions of dollars to help fund new pediatric cancer treatments.
Her latest endeavor to inspire and help raise awareness is in the form of this wonderful cookbook.
It provides directions on how to host a bake sale, signage, and of course, recipes, which include cookies, bars, cupcakes, and candies. If hosting a bake sale is too ambitious for you, that’s okay – just buy the book and bake for yourself! All proceeds go directly to pediatric cancer research.
Gretchen’s fighting kids cancer one cookie at a time. And you can, too. Starting with some flour and molasses.
THE GIVEAWAY
1 reader has a chance to win the cookbook and a spatula. 3 readers have a chance to win the spatula. (U.S. entries only.)
There are three ways to enter: (1) leave a comment on the blog (2) go “like” us on Facebook or (3) Already a fan? Just leave a comment on The Wall.
Want to increase your chances? You can leave a comment here and on Facebook.
THIS DRAWING IS NOW CLOSED
UPDATE on December 13th:
The lucky winner of the cookbook and spatula is Cindy Battle. The 3 winners who will each receive a spatula are: Sherrill Giusti, Rachel Currier, and Tanya. Congrats! Contact me with your snail mail to claim your prize.
Crunchy Blackstrap Molasses Cookies
Makes 36
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups sugar, equally divided
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 375. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silpat matt.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat butter and 1 cup of the sugar with a handheld electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla, one at a time, beating in between each addition. Add dry ingredients and beat until well incorporated.
Form dough into 1-inch balls (it will be sticky!) and roll into the remaining 1 cup of sugar. Place 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Using the bottom of a small glass, press down until slightly flattened.
Bake until cookies begin to brown at the edges, about 12 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes on cookie sheets and then transfer to a wire rack.
(from the Cookies for Kids Cancer: Best Bake Sale Cookbook)
Print this recipe • Save this recipe
{ 38 comments… read them below or add one }
This looks like a wonderful cookbook. And a great cause.
Those molasses cookies would be a huge hit with my boyfriend!
The only thing I have ever used Molasses for is horses. They love it!! I want to be a stay a home mom who gets to cook and play with her kids all day! This cook book would be great!!
Thanks for the opportunity!!
PJ
Love cookies. This looks like a great book
I was instantly drawn to this post because 1. I love Cookies for Kids Cancer! 2. I love Oxo & have been resisting buying that tiny spatula! 3. I love cookies! Did you write this post just for me?!
would love to win thanks for opportunity
I absolutely love molasses cookies. We make them every year.
Mmmm! I love Molasses cookies, thanks for the recipe and giveaway today!
I seriously don’t think I’ve ever had molasses! Going to add these to the cookie list!
liked you on facebook!
Molasses cookies?!… slobbering is happening here…
Cookies for Kids Cancer creates such a great awareness for something most people never think about. I love that you’re so involved with them! And, who doesn’t like cookies, anyway?!
Molasses cookies are my absolute favorite!
I love molasses too!
I love molasses cookies. They’re so perfect for the holidays.
I love the cause and also love making cookies! Molasses cookies are among my favorites.
Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!
I remember the Cookies for Kids Cancer video you made last year, and in fact, just viewed it again. It’s a great cause. I like both soft and crunchy cookies, and these look tasty all tied up in that red bow.
I love cookbooks. I have to try these I have never had them with cardamom.
Oh gosh, but I do love anything with blackstrap molasses on it — especially cookies!!
But do you love cookies more than you love pie? That is the question. i have my doubts.
I’m actually not such a huge molasses fan, but I do love cookies. Especially after baking about 6 dozen this past weekend.
That was sarcasm dripping across your screen, by the way.
But I really do love cookies.
I’m a Facebook fan!
I love cookies cookbooks!!!
You don’t have to submit me for the drawing…I just want you to bake these for me!!!
I love that the proceeds go to pediatric cancer research!
Already like ya!
Love molasses cookies….
Although I’d love the cookbook OR spatula, I’m just here for the cookies. WOW…they look good. I’m having coffee right now and it sure seems lonely.
I’ll take two dozen, but since Mom won’t make these or ginger snaps, hmmmm, who should I ask?
I already “like” you on FB
Could always use another cookbook.
Looks like a great recipe and a knock out cookbook!
I’m with your sister! I love molasses so these cookies would be well loved. Thanks for the recipe and giveaway!
What a great cause, and the cookbook looks great!
We’re an “odd” sort of bunch at my house. One of the most requested cookies at my house, is Molasses cookies! The first time I made them, they were cooling, I ran to the store for a few things, when I got home, both kids and hubby had eaten the entire batch!!! I kind of miss that now, around the holiday!!
Those cookies look so yummy. I make those I need a spatuala to take them up with. Plus it would go with my other green gadgets I have in my kitchen. wooohoo
Love molasses.. Looking fwd to making this!
Those cookies look yummy! I have heard a lot about the cookbook. Would love one of those spatulas, it is super cute!
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