These old fashioned soft spiced bars are said to date back to the late 1800s when the wives of New England sailors would make these for their husbands to take out to sea because they traveled so well.
I love the molasses taste and the plump raisins. I ate so many of these over the weekend. They are perfect with a nice cup of tea.
What You’ll Need:
1/3 cup Raisins
1/3 cup Packed Brown Sugar
1 cup All-Purpose Flour
1 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Salt
3 tbsp Molasses
3 tbsp Butter, melted
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 large Egg White
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
In large bowl, stir raisins, brown sugar, flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until combined.
Stir in molasses, melted butter, vanilla, and egg white just until blended.
Using your hands, spread batter onto cookie sheet in two 12” by 2” strips. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
As soon as they come out of the oven, while they are still hot, cut each strip into 8 pieces.
Remove bars to a wire rack to cool.
I made these and thought they were very good though they were not as soft and chewy as I remember the ones from my childhood. The taste was right on though! Of course that was right from the oven after they’d cooled. Do they get softer after they’ve sat for awhile or after being stored? Do you think adding a little oil to the recipe might make them softer? Followed the instructions exactly. Thanks for sharing this great recipe… it’s great even if I have to tweak a little to get to the exact texture I remember.