Spice Cookies are a nostalgic delight, evoking warmth, comfort, and the enchanting aroma of spices. These cookies hold a special place in baking traditions, reflecting the art of blending fragrant spices to create a treat that’s both flavorful and heartwarming. The history of Spice Cookies takes us back to a time when spices were valued commodities, and the combination of flavors in these cookies speaks to the culinary heritage that spans generations.

The origins of Spice Cookies can be traced back to medieval times when spices were highly prized and used in cooking to preserve and enhance the flavor of food. As trade routes expanded, spices became more accessible, leading to their incorporation into various culinary creations, including cookies.

The blend of spices in these cookies—cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg—reminisces of traditional holiday baking and the warm scents that waft through homes during festive seasons. These spices not only add flavor but also contribute to the cookies’ storied past.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 eggs
• 1-1/2 cupfuls brown sugar
• 1 cupful Crisco (shortening)
• 1 cupful molasses
• 1/2 cupful sour milk
• 2 teaspoonfuls baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoonful black pepper
• 1 teaspoonful salt
• 1 teaspoonful powdered cinnamon
• 1 teaspoonful powdered ginger
• 1 teaspoonful powdered cloves
• 1 teaspoonful grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoonful baking powder
• Flour to make a stiff dough

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preparing Wet Ingredients:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat 3 eggs for five minutes until they are well combined and slightly frothy.
2. Incorporating Sugar and Shortening:
   • Add 1-1/2 cupfuls of brown sugar to the beaten eggs. Continue to beat for another five minutes.
   • Incorporate 1 cupful of Crisco into the mixture and continue beating until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
3. Adding Molasses and Milk:
   • Stir in 1 cupful of molasses and 1/2 cupful of sour milk into the mixture.
4. Mixing Leavening Agents and Spices:
   • Dissolve 2 teaspoonfuls of baking soda in the sour milk mixture.
   • Add 1/2 teaspoonful of black pepper, 1 teaspoonful each of powdered cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, 1 teaspoonful of grated nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoonful of baking powder. These spices create the signature flavor profile of the cookies.
5. Adding Flour and Resting the Dough:
   • Gradually add enough flour to make a stiff dough. The exact amount of flour may vary.
   • Leave the dough mixture in the mixing bowl and allow it to rest overnight or until the following day.
6. Rolling and Cutting:
   • On a floured surface, take pieces of the dough and roll them out to a desired thickness.
   • Use a small cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
7. Prepping Baking Tins:
   • Grease baking tins with Crisco to prevent sticking.
8. Baking Process:
   • Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature.
   • Place the cut-out cookies on the greased baking tins.
9. Baking Time:
   • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about seven to ten minutes or until they are slightly browned.
10. Finishing Touch:
    • Once baked, the Spice Cookies should have a delightful aroma and a golden hue.
11. Yield:
    • The recipe yields approximately ninety cookies, making it suitable for sharing during gatherings or as festive treats.

In summary, Spice Cookies are a testament to the culinary legacy of blending flavors to create a beloved treat that encapsulates tradition and warmth. These cookies offer a sensory journey back in time, inviting us to savor the flavors of history and celebration. Whether enjoyed with loved ones during holidays or savored as an everyday indulgence, Spice Cookies continue to evoke feelings of comfort and connection to the past.