- **Organic Molasses** - Adds rich flavor and moisture to the cookies.
- **All-Purpose Flour** - Provides structure and texture.
- **Unsalted Butter** - Enhances taste and adds richness.
- **Brown Sugar** - Caramelizes during baking, giving a sweet, caramel-like flavor.
- **Vanilla Extract** - Adds a delightful aroma and depth of flavor.
- **Eggs** - Bind the ingredients together and contribute to flakiness.
- **Baking Soda** - A leavening agent that helps cookies rise and become slightly crunchy on the outside.
- **Warm Water** - Often used in molasses cookie recipes, it softens the dough for easy handling.
- **Nutmeg or Cinnamon** (Optional) - For added warmth and spice. Great keywords include "nutmeg" and "cinnamon."
- **Walnuts or Raisins** (Optional) - Add extra texture and sweetness; keywords: "walnuts," "raisins."
These ingredients ensure a delicious, traditional Aunt Claras Filled Molasses Cookie experience while optimizing for SEO with relevant keywords.
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Steps
### Aunt Clara's Filled Molasses Cookies Recipe
Looking to add a sweet, traditional touch to your baking routine? Try making Aunt Clara's Filled Molasses Cookies! These cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for holiday gatherings or as gifts.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 3 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 (15 ounce) can or pouch of fruit preserves, such as strawberry or raspberry
#### Instructions:
**Step 1: Prepare the Filling**
- In a small bowl, mix your chosen fruit preserves with a tiny bit of lemon juice to prevent it from being too thick. This ensures that when you pipe it into the cookies, it spreads nicely and has a good consistency.
**Step 2: Preheat Your Oven**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place baking sheets in the oven to preheat as well.
#### Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk thoroughly to ensure all dry ingredients are well mixed.
**Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars**
- Using an electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
**Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients**
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add in the molasses followed by the eggs, mixing just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing.
**Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures**
- Slowly mix in half of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Then, fold in the fruit preserve filling. Finally, gently stir in the remaining flour mixture until just incorporated—do not overmix; you want a slightly lumpy dough for best results.
**Step 7: Shape Cookies**
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and shape. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round cutter or cookie press to cut out circles of dough.
**Step 8: Assemble and Bake**
- Take one circle at a time, place a small dollop of fruit preserve in the center (about 1 teaspoon). Fold another half-circle over the filling, crimping the edges with your fingers or a fork for a neat closure. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
**Step 9: Bake**
- Bake cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the middle. Let them cool slightly before serving.
#### Tips and Variations:
- For a festive touch, try adding a few chopped nuts (like pecans) into the dough.
- Experiment with different fruit preserves for unique flavors.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
By following these detailed steps, you can enjoy making Aunt Clara’s Filled Molasses Cookies and impress your family and friends with their rich molasses flavor and soft filling. Happy baking! 🎉