Name: Walnut Strips
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 12 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1/2 cup shortening; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup boiling water; 1/2 cup molasses; 3 cups flour, sifted; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ginger; 1/4 teaspoon cloves; 1 1/2 cups walnuts, finely chopped

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Walnut Strips are a classic bar-style cookie with a soft, slightly chewy texture and warm, spiced flavor. These cookies combine the rich taste of molasses with spices like ginger and cloves, creating a comforting flavor reminiscent of traditional gingerbread. The walnuts on top add a nice crunch, complementing the soft base of the cookie. These bars are perfect for holiday baking or when you want something sweet but not overly rich. Cut into neat strips, they make a great snack or dessert option that pairs well with coffee or tea.

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Walnut Strips

Food History

Molasses-based cookies like these Walnut Strips have their roots in early American baking, where molasses was a common sweetener. Before refined sugar became widely available, molasses was often used to add sweetness and depth of flavor to baked goods. Combined with spices like ginger and cloves, it created a rich, warming taste, making it especially popular in colder months.

Spiced molasses cookies have been enjoyed for centuries, often appearing as gingerbread or spice cookies. Walnuts, native to Persia but cultivated in the U.S. since colonial times, were added for texture and flavor. These cookie bars are a modern twist on those classic molasses cookies, offering a convenient bar format for easy serving.

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Timeline

Colonial Era: Molasses is used widely in baking due to its availability and affordability, especially in gingerbread-style cookies.
19th Century: Spiced cookies and bar cookies become popular in American households as sugar and spices become more accessible.
Mid-20th Century: Recipes for walnut-topped cookies, such as these Walnut Strips, start appearing in cookbooks, combining the traditional flavors of molasses with the crunch of walnuts.

Recipe Discussion

These Walnut Strips are spiced bar cookies, a type of dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. Unlike individual drop cookies, bar cookies are baked in a large sheet or pan and then cut into uniform pieces, making them ideal for potlucks or gatherings. The dough is enriched with molasses, which sweetens and gives the cookies a rich, deep flavor. Ginger and cloves provide a warm spice, balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar and molasses.

The topping of finely chopped walnuts adds texture and flavor, turning these simple cookies into something special. Walnuts are a natural pairing with molasses, as their slightly bitter taste complements the sweetness of the cookie base. These strips can be enjoyed plain, or they can be drizzled with a light glaze for added sweetness and presentation.

Because the dough needs to be chilled before rolling, it is a bit more time-intensive than some cookie recipes. However, chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into strips. The end result is a cookie that’s soft on the inside with a slightly crisp edge, and a crunchy topping of walnuts.

Uncover the sweet, sticky secrets of molasses! From its rich history to must-know cooking tips and delicious recipes, this article dives deep into the magic of this classic ingredient.

Learn more about baking with molasses.

Preparation Tips

Chilling the Dough: Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly before rolling it out. This helps prevent the dough from sticking and makes it easier to cut into uniform strips.
Cutting the Strips: Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to cut the dough into neat 1-inch wide and 3-inch long strips. Keeping the cuts even ensures the cookies bake uniformly.
Walnut Topping: Finely chop the walnuts so they adhere well to the top of the cookie dough. Press them lightly into the dough before baking to ensure they stay in place.
Rolling the Dough: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Keep the dough thickness even for consistent baking.
Spices: If you prefer a spicier cookie, you can increase the amount of ginger and cloves or add a pinch of nutmeg.

Recommended Kitchen Items

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Rolling Pin: A good rolling pin will help you evenly roll out the chilled dough. Choose one that feels comfortable in your hands and glides smoothly over the dough.
Pastry Cutter: For precise cutting, a pastry cutter is ideal for creating uniform strips without distorting the dough.
Cooling Rack: Letting the cookies cool on a wire rack helps them firm up without becoming soggy on the bottom.

Serving Suggestions

Tea or Coffee: These walnut strips are ideal for serving alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee, especially during colder months.
Holiday Parties: Their warm, spiced flavor makes them perfect for holiday baking. They can be served as part of a holiday dessert spread or given as gifts.
With Whipped Cream: For a fancier presentation, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or drizzle with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

A Nutty, Spiced Treat for Any Occasion

Walnut Strips are a delightful blend of rich molasses, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts. Their chewy texture and comforting flavors make them perfect for fall or winter, but they can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you serve them at a holiday party, as an afternoon snack, or alongside your morning coffee, these bar cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Easy to make and even easier to eat, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture.

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