Whole Grain Molasses Cookies

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These wholesome molasses cookies are made with 100% whole grains, olive or avocado oil, and without refined sugar.  Quick and simple to make, chewy and delicious, this Whole Grain Molasses Cookies recipe is a keeper!

Molasses cookies have long been a favorite of mine.  I have many memories of my mom making them and good times spent dipping freshly baked and still warm molasses cookies into a glass of whole milk.  Pulling them back out of the milk the texture would be chewy-squishy and the flavor, as always, heavenly.

These have likewise become a favorite of my own children.  I’m always experimenting with ways to create sweet treats and savory snacks for my kids that are more wholesome.  So I’ve “healthified” this classic cookie and I’ll tell you what, any time I make these for my kids’ friends when they come over, they’ve never once questioned them – they simply gobble them up and ask for more.

Once you’ve tried these I’m sure you’ll agree that you’re not missing a thing by passing up the white flour and sugar.  These Healthier Whole Grain Molasses Cookies have a fabulously chewy texture and phenomenal flavor!

I’m using a grain called Einkorn for these.  What we know as wheat today has undergone a series of genetic changes over the years, all for the purpose of increasing both yield and gluten content (no surprise to the increase in gluten sensitivities).  When you look at wheat’s DNA structure, it’s almost unidentifiable to its original ancestor – they’re almost completely different grains. You can even see the difference visually:  Wheat, left (nearly double in length and paler in color) and Einkorn, right (smaller and darker in color).

What is Einkorn?

Einkorn is the most ancient form of wheat on earth and hasn’t undergone any of these genetic changes.  It is the purest form of wheat we have.  It contains a different composition of gluten that our bodies are more easily able to digest, even more so than spelt (which is also an older form of wheat, but unlike einkorn has been altered numerous times over the years).  In fact, many people with gluten sensitivities have found that they’re able to tolerate einkorn.

Additionally, most people who have tried einkorn agree that it tastes much better than wheat.  Some well-stocked grocery stores carry it and you can also purchase einkorn online.

NOTE:  You can use whichever whole grain you like for these cookies, but Einkorn is a great option, as is spelt.

Whole Grain Molasses Cookies Recipe

Let’s get started!

In a large bowl, add the oil, coconut sugar, egg and molasses and beat until combined.

In another bowl, add the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg and stir to combine. For some added flavor and texture you can also add some finely chopped Candied Ginger.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat until combined into a stiff dough.

Roll the batter into 1-inch balls and then roll the balls in cane sugar (this is optional).  Place the balls on a lined cookie sheet spaced two inches apart.

Bake in the oven preheated to 350 degrees F and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cookies are crackly on top and a little darker around the edges.

Remove from the oven and let the cookies sit for a couple of minutes on the baking tray.

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to let cool.

Once fully cooled, store your whole grain molasses cookies in an airtight container.  At room temperature they will keep for up to a week.  They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.  

Enjoy!

For more wholesome and delicious desserts be sure to try my:

• Chocolate Deception Cake
• Whole Grain Chocolate Cupcakes
• Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
• Whole Grain Zucchini Muffins

Originally published on The Daring Gourmet January 28, 2018