I came across this recipe for Fat Archie’s Molasses Cookies in an old Canadian cookbook that was given to me by a family member when I was writing my first cookbook.
The person who originally published this recipe had no idea where the name Fat Archies came from but indicated that it’s the name that appeared at the top of an old handwritten recipe.
I’m going to assume that this cookie recipe is more than just some dude named “Fat Archie” who created it. If you happen to know the history or origins of Fat Archie’s Molasses Cookies let me know in the comments below. I would love to know!
These cookies are soft and chewy molasses cookies with a very distinct flavor. Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredient Substitution
I often get asked what a good substitute for molasses would be. Not sure if it’s because they don’t have any on hand or simply don’t like the flavor.
You have a few options as far as substitutes go: dark corn syrup, maple syrup, honey or even some dark brown sugar with a little water added to it.
Remember that substituting for one of these ingredients will alter the overall flavor of this recipe.
If you love molasses cookies, you need to check out my other Molasses cookies recipes: Rod’s Soft Molasses Cookies and Helen’s Molasses Cookies
Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Fat Archie’s Molasses cookies recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Light Brown Sugar, Vegetable Oil, Molasses, Milk, Baking Soda, Eggs, Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Salt and All Purpose Flour.
How to Make Fat Archie’s Molasses Cookies
- In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar and vegetable oil and mix well.
- Add molasses to brown sugar mixture and mix. Combine milk and baking soda and add to the mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Add beaten egg and sifted dry ingredients to the mixing bowl and mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Place a dollop of cookie dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet leaving enough room in-between as these cookies will expand during the baking process.
- Bake for 13 to 15 minutes. After that, let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Recipe Video
Fat Archie’s Molasses Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 Cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 Cup Molasses
- ½ Cup Milk
- 2 Tsp Baking Soda
- 1 Egg, beaten
- 1 Tsp Ground Ginger
- 3 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 4 Cups All Purpose Flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar and vegetable oil and mix well.
- Add molasses to brown sugar mixture and mix. Combine milk and baking soda and add to mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Add beaten egg and sifted dry ingredients to mixing bowl and mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- On a parchment lined cookie sheet, place a dollop of cookie dough on baking sheet leaving enough room in-between as these cookies will expand during the baking process.
- Bake for 13 to 15 minutes. Let cookies cool on wire rack before serving.
Recipe Video
I think the temp and bake time are off kilter. 375 for 13 minutes (minimum) is way too high. I did 375 for 10 minutes….or maybe 350 for 12 would be ok too.
I used a basic icecream scoop. (med). They taste great. 🙂
Simply perfect! Makes a nice big batch and they have an excellent texture. I love that this recipe uses oil, not butter (since it is getting expensive!). This is the only molasses cookie recipe I use now.
Glad to hear you liked this recipe!
These are not Fat Archies
Having family roots in cape breton, these are ingredients for fat archies cookies. Do you have a recipe for your version? If so, p!ease share. Happy Saturday…
Love, love the cookies. Just a question. How much batter per cookie. The ones I am familiar with were very large, perhaps an ice cream scoopers used.
I just use a cookie dough scoop for mine but you can make them whatever size you want. Bake time may vary a bit though.
I haven’t tried your recipe but the name “Fat Archies” is definitely a Cape Breton-ism. Came to confirm that haha. No clue where it comes from but there were and still are a LOT of Archibalds around the Island as it’s a classic Gaelic Scottish settler name.
Makes sense as that part of my family is from that area.
This recipe was a family favorite growing up. We are from the east cost of Canada in Cape Brenton Island. I’ve never heard of them being made elsewhere. My grandmother had been making this recipe since the 50’s or 60’s and in her handwriting at the top of the recipe card reads “Fat Archies”. I never thought to ask the origin of the recipe and she has now past. Thank you for sharing this nostalgic recipe. I am very exited to share with my son and take a trip down memory lane. Happy Holidays!
Thanks for the history. The side of my family I got it from were from the New Brunswick area on the east coast of Canada. This makes a lot of sense!
I just made these and are THE BEST! Thank you!
(I’d love to know the history of them as well) :).
Glad you liked them! Thanks for coming back and letting us know.