Discover the nostalgic charm of Sorghum Cookies, a delightful treat that pays homage to a 19th-century staple making a resurgent appearance in modern times. Jennifer Kramer from Lynnville, Iowa, shares her family’s treasured recipe, featuring homegrown sorghum cane syrup, to craft these soft, old-fashioned cookies with a unique twist.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1⅓ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup sorghum syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon each ground cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, sorghum syrup, and grated orange peel.
- Combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Drop the cookie dough by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until they are set and golden brown.
- Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool.
YIELD: Makes about 2½ dozen cookies
BAKE TIME: Prep: 30 minutes, Bake: 10-12 minutes per batch
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND TIPS:
- To enhance the cookies’ citrus flavor, consider substituting orange zest for the grated orange peel.
- For a delightful variation, sprinkle a touch of cinnamon sugar on top of the cookies just before baking.
Celebrate the timeless allure of Sorghum Cookies, an enchanting treat that embraces the past while making a delightful comeback in modern kitchens. Jennifer Kramer, hailing from Lynnville, Iowa, takes us on a journey through time with her family’s cherished recipe, showcasing the distinctive sweetness of homegrown sorghum cane syrup.
These soft and old-fashioned cookies bring together the classic flavors of butter, sugar, and eggs, harmonizing beautifully with the rich aroma of sorghum syrup. A delightful burst of citrus comes courtesy of grated orange peel, adding a refreshing twist to the timeless indulgence.
As you savor each bite, the comforting blend of all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg dances on your taste buds, conjuring memories of a bygone era. The distinctive nutty sweetness of sorghum syrup shines through, making these cookies truly one-of-a-kind.
Crafted with love and precision, these cookies take shape as delightful dollops of dough drop onto baking sheets, creating a symphony of warm and inviting aromas in the kitchen. Once baked to golden perfection, the cookies are transferred to cooling racks, where they await eager hands to savor their charm.
Sorghum, a native grass of East Africa, found its way to the U.S., possibly through the efforts of the renowned Benjamin Franklin. By the mid-1800s, sorghum had become a staple, boiled down into molasses-like syrup—a tradition that continues in the present day. Beyond its sweet appeal, sorghum has diversified into various applications, from gluten-free grain substitute to building materials and even fencing.
In conclusion, Sorghum Cookies encapsulate a journey through time and the enduring appeal of cherished family recipes. Each delectable bite invites you to savor the rich history and unique flavors of this delightful treat. So, indulge in a moment of nostalgia and taste the sweetness of tradition with every bite of these comforting and irresistible cookies.
