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.
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
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease or line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves, if using; set aside.
Using an electric mixer, or in the large bowl of a standing mixer, beat shortening, butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Once fats are creamed with the sugar, add egg and cold coffee; beat on low speed until well blended. Add flour mixture a little at a time, into the butter mixture; stir until well combined. Use low speed to fold all ingredients into a sticky dough, stopping when a nice creamy consistency is achieved. Fold in the raisins and walnuts.
Drop dough by rounded teaspoon or small cookie scoop onto the prepared cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. The cookies will spread out when baking.
Bake 8-10 minutes, or until light brown.
Remove from oven; place on top of a cooling rack. As cookies cool, the texture becomes chewier.
Makes about 4 dozen cookies.