Moravian Sugar Cookies—Sweet and Satisfying
When you open the oven to the sweet smell of freshly baked Moravian Sugar Cookies, there is nothing better. These unique cookies have cultural influences that stretch back centuries and have a unique twist that will make your taste buds dance.
A Touch of History
These melt-in-your-mouth cookies have an intriguing heritage. They were first created in Germany in the 1700s. During this era the Moravians, who were an evangelical Protestant group living in Germany, had to follow a strict diet that went nine days without sugar! But, as human nature goes, they eventually developed a clever way to make a delicious treat, in spite of this sugar consumption limitation—the Moravian Sugar Cookie.
Ingredients and Directions
Creating these moravian sugar cookies is an enjoyable and straightforward experience that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of butter (softened)
- 3/4 cups of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of cream
- 4 tablespoons of molasses
Method
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and salt, then set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract, cream and molasses and mix until combined. Gradually add in the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Roll the dough into small balls, place them on an ungreased cookie sheet and flatten them with the back of a spoon. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn light brown. Once they are finished baking, let them cool on a cookie sheet.
Final Thoughts
These delicious moravian sugar cookies have the perfect combination of sweetness and tartness. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect afternoon snack. The recipe is also a great way to introduce children to baking, as well as exploring their family’s cultural heritage. You can even experiment by adding other ingredients such as dried fruit or nuts for an extra special treat.
