Description

No one knows where the name of the cookie came from, but the cookie itself is thought to originate in 19th century New England. They are sweet and chewy and make a nice treat.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
• 1/2 t. baking soda
• 1/2 t. fine salt
• 1/4 t. ground nutmeg
• 3/4 t. ground cinnamon
• dash ground cloves
• 1/4 c. vegetable shortening
• 1/4 c. unsalted butter, softened
• 1 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 c. brewed coffee, cold
• 1 1/2 c. chopped raisins or dates
• 1/2 c. chopped walnuts or pecans

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease or line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves, if using; set aside.
3. Using an electric mixer, or in the large bowl of a standing mixer, beat shortening, butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.