Joe Frogger Cookies
A historic New England treat from Marblehead, Massachusetts. These large, dark, and wonderfully chewy cookies are packed with the rich flavors of molasses, dark rum, and a blend of warm spices. Their unique texture and taste have been cherished for centuries.
For 12 servings
10 steps. 60 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, ground ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Set this dry mixture aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a separate small bowl or liquid measuring cup, stir the hot water and dark rum together. Add the molasses and stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- 3
Step 3
- a.In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and packed dark brown sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- 4
Reduce the mixer speed to low
- a.Slowly and carefully stream the molasses-rum mixture into the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until just combined. The mixture may look slightly separated, which is normal.
- 5
Step 5
- a.With the mixer still on low, gradually add the dry flour mixture in three additions. Mix until just a few streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
- 6
The dough will be very soft and sticky
- a.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. This step is crucial for developing flavor and preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
- 7
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), portion the chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheets. These are traditionally large cookies, so leave at least 3-4 inches of space between each dough ball.
- 9
Bake one sheet at a time for 12-14 minutes
- a.The edges should be set, but the centers will look soft and slightly underbaked. Do not overbake for a chewy texture.
- 10
Step 10
- a.Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will flatten and crinkle as they cool.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Chilling is Key: Do not skip the chilling step. It makes the sticky dough manageable and deepens the molasses and spice flavors.
- 2Don't Overbake: For the classic chewy texture, pull the cookies from the oven when the centers are still soft. They will continue to bake on the hot pan.
- 3Room for Spreading: These cookies live up to their 'frogger' name by spreading out. Give them plenty of space on the baking sheet.
- 4Flavor Development: The flavor of these cookies improves over time. They are even better on the second day!
- 5Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. A slice of bread in the container can help keep them soft.
Adapt it for your goals.
Non-Alcoholic
Replace the dark rum with an equal amount of water, apple cider, or 1 teaspoon of rum extract mixed with the water.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
Adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of black pepper or cardamom for a different kind of warmth.
Add InsAdd-Ins
While not traditional, you could fold in 1 cup of chopped crystallized ginger or dark chocolate chunks for a modern twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Minerals
Unsulphured molasses is a good source of essential minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are important for bone health and energy production.
Warming Spices
Ginger and cloves contain compounds like gingerol and eugenol, which have natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe digestion and support overall wellness.
Antioxidant Power
Spices like nutmeg and allspice are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
A Joe Frogger is a large, chewy molasses-spice cookie that originated in Marblehead, Massachusetts, in the late 18th century. It's known for its dark color, rich flavor from rum and spices, and its long shelf life, which made it popular with sailors.