Joe Froggers are large, soft, and chewy cookies that make for a delightful snack. This classic recipe features a warm blend of spices that seem to become even more pronounced on the second day. The comforting flavors and textures of these cookies are sure to make your family ask for more.
Originally sold by Joe Brown and Aunt Crease at their tavern in Marblehead, Massachusetts, during Colonial times, these cookies were known for their size, resembling plates. Flavored with rum and saltwater, Joe’s Froggers were so moist that fishermen would take barrels of them out to sea. Over the years, the cookies became known as Joe Froggers, and their size was reduced to about 4 inches.
INGREDIENTS:
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- ⅓ cup hot water
- 2 tablespoons rum or 1 teaspoon rum extract
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- Sugar
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large bowl, cream the shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy. In a small bowl, whisk together the molasses, hot water, and rum.
- In another bowl, whisk the flour, salt, ginger, baking soda, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with the molasses mixture, beating well after each addition. Refrigerate the dough, covered, for 4 hours or until it is easy to handle.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the dough into 1½-inch balls and place them 3 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Flatten the balls to a ½-inch thickness using the bottom of a custard cup dipped in sugar.
- Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow them to cool on the pans for 2 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Store the cookies in airtight containers.
YIELD: 1½ dozen cookies
PREP TIME: 15 minutes + chilling time
BAKE TIME: 15 minutes per batch
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- It’s important to refrigerate the dough for the specified time to make it easier to handle.
TIPS:
- For added flavor, you can use rum instead of rum extract. However, if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, stick with the rum extract.
- Dusting the bottom of the custard cup with sugar before flattening the dough balls adds a touch of sweetness and prevents sticking.
Joe Froggers are timeless cookies that offer a delightful snacking experience with their large, soft, and chewy texture. The classic recipe is a perfect combination of warm spices and comforting flavors that seem to intensify over time. These cookies are sure to become a family favorite and leave your loved ones asking for more.
Dating back to Colonial times in Marblehead, Massachusetts, Joe Brown and Aunt Crease ran a tavern where they sold their famous Joe Froggers. These cookies, initially the size of plates, were flavored with rum and saltwater, remaining moist for an extended period. Fishermen even took barrels of Joe Froggers out to sea. Over time, the cookies became known as Joe Froggers, and their size reduced to about 4 inches.
With a blend of shortening, brown sugar, molasses, and a warm mix of spices, these cookies offer a nostalgic taste that evokes the history of their origins. The dough is chilled to make it easier to handle before shaping it into balls and flattening them with the bottom of a sugar-dipped custard cup. The result is a batch of deliciously fragrant, lightly browned cookies with a tender center.
For an authentic touch, consider using rum instead of rum extract. However, if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, the rum extract will still provide the desired flavor. Dusting the bottom of the custard cup with sugar before flattening the dough adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the cookies’ texture.
Joe Froggers are a wonderful treat that can be enjoyed fresh or stored in airtight containers for a few days. As time goes by, the flavors and spices become even more pronounced, making each bite even more delightful.
Indulge in the rich history and flavors of Joe Froggers and create a lasting tradition by sharing these cookies with your family and friends. Their soft and chewy texture and warm blend of spices will surely bring joy to any occasion.
