The Irresistible Charm of Candy Lasses: Molasses Peppermint Cookies for a Magical Christmas
Discover the surprisingly delightful combination of warm, spicy molasses and refreshing peppermint in these festive cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings and thoughtful gifts. Trust us, it’s a flavor profile you won’t want to miss!
The holiday season often brings a mix of joy, anticipation, and perhaps a touch of chaos, especially when you’re settling into new traditions. This year, my family is experiencing our very first Christmas in an actual house after years of apartment living. While the extra space is a blessing, it’s also presented a unique challenge: decorating. In our cozy 20-square-foot living room, a handful of ornaments and a few handmade paper crafts felt like a winter wonderland. Now, with ample, somewhat empty space, those charming DIY decorations simply aren’t enough to fill the void and evoke that true festive spirit.
Even my husband, Eric, noticed the sparse decorations. He subtly suggested I pick up a tree skirt to cover the rather unappealing plastic “claw-like” foot of our modest 5-foot Walmart artificial Christmas tree. (We travel extensively during the holidays, making it hard to justify the expense and effort of a real tree, much to my lingering festive guilt, I assure you.) The quest for a tree skirt became an unexpected mini-adventure, highlighting the humorous realities of holiday preparations for many families.
Our ornament situation was equally amusing. During the move, our box of precious ornaments seemed to have vanished into thin air. The few survivors we managed to unearth included a couple of charming, albeit fragile, homemade paper ornaments, a shatter-resistant glass ball inexplicably adorned with a Star Wars Stormtrooper sticker (the mysteries of moving!), and a slightly unsettling babushka doll ornament I acquired at a white elephant party years ago. Adding to this eclectic collection was a mere 4-foot string of popcorn, a relic from our very first Christmas together. We’d ambitiously started making it, only to abandon the project 12 hours later, realizing the sheer insanity of needling through countless popcorn kernels. It’s far too short to encircle the tree properly, so we artfully zig-zag-drape it across the front, hoping no one notices its humble length. Supa classy, indeed.
But back to the tree skirt. Have you priced those things lately? They often cost more than our entire artificial tree! All the less attractive options were a steep $35, and then I spotted one that was genuinely cute, only to find it retailed for $40. A definite bummer, especially when juggling other holiday expenses.
As I pondered a whimsical (and entirely impractical) paper tree skirt solution, I happened upon the aisle featuring mini counter-top trees, typically the 24-inch variety. And there, nestled among them, were mini tree skirts! For a mere 8 dollars, I snagged one faster than you could say “ghetto Christmas.” Now, our humble tree proudly sports what is essentially a festive red wool sock, a slightly undersized but perfectly functional solution that doesn’t quite reach the lowest branches. It’s undeniably festive, and that’s all that truly matters.
Introducing Candy Lasses: The Ultimate Molasses Peppermint Christmas Cookies
Amidst the amusing chaos of holiday decorating, some traditions bring pure, unadulterated joy – like baking. These “Candy Lasses” have been a beloved Christmas tradition for me ever since my best friend in college introduced me to her grandmother’s recipe. I absolutely adore them, and they quickly became a staple in my own holiday baking repertoire. These cookies are truly unique, a delightful fusion that’s hard to fully appreciate without tasting them. Imagine a soft, lightly-spiced molasses cookie, with delicate flecks of crushed peppermint candy cane baked right into the dough, then generously topped with a creamy frosting and a final sprinkle of additional crushed peppermint. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that embodies the spirit of the season.
“Molasses and peppermint?” you might wonder. Yes, it sounds like an unconventional pairing, and it’s certainly not a flavor combination I would have conceived on my own. Yet, it works in the most extraordinary way! The recipe calls for just a couple of tablespoons of molasses, ensuring it provides that characteristic deep, golden, warm spice flavor without overpowering the palate. This subtle molasses base perfectly complements the cool, refreshing burst of peppermint. The result is a cookie that is both comforting and invigorating, a true taste of Christmas. These Molasses Peppermint Cookies are not only a fantastic treat for your own home but also make for incredibly thoughtful and unique neighbor gifts, sure to impress anyone who tries them. What delightful Christmas cookies have you been baking this year?
Candy Lasses (Molasses Cookies with Peppermint) Recipe
Candy Lasses (Molasses Cookies with Peppermint)
Ingredients
For the Frosting:
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
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In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened 2/3 cup butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the ¼ cup packed brown sugar and ¼ cup white granulated sugar. Continue to beat for approximately 2 minutes, ensuring you scrape down the sides of the bowl thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients.
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Add the room temperature egg and molasses to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat on high speed until the mixture is smooth and no longer lumpy, ensuring everything is fully integrated.
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For the candy canes: Use a food processor for finer pieces, or a rolling pin and a sturdy bag for a slightly coarser texture. Crush about 7 candy canes until you have roughly ½ cup. Add these crushed candy canes along with all of the reserved dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (Silpat). Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 11-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set and no longer appear shiny.
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Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling thoroughly is crucial before frosting.
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While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, cream the softened salted butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and well combined. If the frosting seems too thick, add a bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, incorporate a little more powdered sugar.
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Crush an additional 2-4 candy canes for garnish. You can use a food processor for a fine powder or a rolling pin for slightly larger, more visible pieces.
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Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting over each cookie. Immediately sprinkle the frosted cookies with the freshly crushed candy canes for a beautiful and festive finish. Alternatively, you can stir the crushed candy canes directly into the frosting before spreading for a more integrated peppermint flavor throughout the icing. These delicious Candy Lasses will stay fresh in an airtight container on the counter for 2 to 3 days.
Notes
While this cookie dough does not strictly require refrigeration before baking, if you plan to bake in multiple batches and there’s a significant time gap between them, it’s a good idea to chill the dough in the refrigerator. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much and losing their shape in the oven, especially if your kitchen is warm.
This cherished recipe has been lovingly adapted from the original by Dorothy Millikin, the grandmother of my dear best friend. It’s a testament to timeless family recipes that bring joy for generations.
Nutrition
Calories: 342kcal |
Carbohydrates: 48g |
Protein: 2g |
Fat: 16g |
Saturated Fat: 10g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 52mg |
Potassium: 39mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 32g |
Vitamin A: 491IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 32mg |
Iron: 1mg
Here’s a visual of what your candy canes will look like if you use a food processor to crush them. I personally prefer these finer pieces for incorporating directly into the cookie dough, as they distribute evenly and melt subtly during baking, infusing every bite with cool peppermint flavor.
For a more rustic texture and vibrant presentation, I used a rolling pin to crush these candy canes. This method typically results in slightly larger, more irregular pieces that are perfect for sprinkling on top of the frosting. They provide a delightful crunch and a beautiful visual contrast.
This image shows the critical step of adding both the crushed candy canes and the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. It’s important to combine them gently and quickly until just mixed, avoiding overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
Here they are, fresh out of the oven! Notice the slightly crackled tops and the warm, inviting golden-brown edges. They might still look a little soft in the center, but they will firm up beautifully as they cool, achieving that perfect chewy-soft texture that makes these Candy Lasses so special.
And there you have it – your very own batch of Candy Lasses, ready to bring festive cheer to your holiday season! Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones, gifting them to neighbors, or simply savoring them with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa, these Molasses Peppermint Cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Enjoy the unique and surprising flavor combination that truly captures the magic of Christmas!
Do you guys give up? Or are you thirsty for more?
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