Joe Frogger's Soft Molasses Cookies

"This recipe was published in our paper many years ago. The article said - next time you are planning a summertime treat serve 'Joe Froggers' - big, delicious molasses cookies. They’re made from a recipe that is over 100 years old - the pride of one man, Uncle Joe as he was known to the people of Marblehead, Mass. Since he lived on the edge of a frog pond, the cookies soon became known as Joe Frogger's.

4 1/3 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1/4 t. allspice
1 t. baking soda
3/4 c. shortening 1/2 t. salt
3/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 t. ginger
1 c. light molasses
3/4 t. cloves
1 T. rum extract
3/4 t. nutmeg
1/3 c. water

Mix and sift flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Cream shortening and sugar.

Add molasses and rum extract; beat well. Add flour mixture and water alternately, beating until well blended after each addition. 

Wrap dough in foil; chill overnight. Roll dough half at a time, about ¼ inch thick. 

Cut with floured 4-inch round cookie cutter. 

Bake on lightly greased cookie sheets @ 375 degrees for 8 to 9 minutes or until just done, but not browned around the edges. 

Cool on racks. 

Store in airtight can or jar. 

Makes 2 dozen cookies.

Shared by Mary Ann Hartley