Moravian Christmas Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup dark molasses
• 1 1/3 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/2 cup lard or 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon orange extract
• 4 – 5 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon mace
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon clove

Instructions

1. Combine 1 cup dark molasses, 1 1/3 cups brown sugar, 1/2 cup lard, and 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water over low heat until melted and cool.
2. Add 1 tablespoon orange extract to the mixture and stir well.
3. Gradually mix in 4 to 5 cups of flour sifted with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon mace, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon clove until the dough reaches a firm consistency.
4. Knead the dough thoroughly on a floured surface for a few minutes until it is well combined.
5. Cover the dough well and set it in a cool place to ripen for at least a few hours or overnight if you have time.
6. Roll small amounts of dough out to 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick on a well-floured board, making sure it doesn’t stick.
7. Cut the rolled dough into fun shapes using floured cookie cutters. For a nostalgic touch, consider using old-fashioned cookie cutters.
8. Place the cut cookies on greased tins, smoothing out any air bubbles for a perfect bake.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 12 minutes, or until the cookies are light brown, keeping a close eye on them.