Pomegranate Molasses Sugar Cookies

Pomegranate Molasses is a unique product which is not commonly utilized and for that matter, not commonly attainable.  It is my objective to encourage you to consider pomegranate molasses and provide you with some compelling reasons why you should try it.  I will introduce you to an easy recipe on how to make your own pomegranate molasses and how to use it to make deliciously distinctive Pomegranate Molasses Sugar Cookies.  The recipe incorporates pomegranate molasses into the cookie dough as well as into a garnish on top of the baked cookie.  The cookies are lightly spiced to compliment the flavour of pomegranate molasses.  The cookie dough is rolled in organic cane sugar before baking to give them a crunchy exterior and a tender center.  The flavour and texture of these cookies make them a pleasure to eat.

Let’s start with the fundamentals.  What exactly is pomegranate molasses?  It is essentially pomegranate juice that is boiled down to a syrup (a reduction).  The syrup has a concentrated flavour with a pleasant lingering taste of sweet and sour on the tongue – a very unique tang. You can use it in almost everything from beverages, salad dressings or drizzling on roasted vegetables, glazing ham and as a flavour enhancer to many varieties of food – both sweet and savoury. 

Pomegranates/pomegranate molasses are classified as a super food having many health benefits.  They are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and anthocyanins.   You can read additional information about pomegranates in my post, “Fun With Pomegranates”.  

Pomegranate Molasses is a very popular condiment and flavouring ingredient in Middle Eastern cooking.  It can often be found in the international aisle of most major grocery stores or stores specializing in Middle Eastern food products.  If you cannot find it in stores near you, pomegranate molasses can be easily made at home. (see recipe below).  

I was amazed to learn that pomegranate molasses is also helpful in reducing your body temperature in the summer (see my note below under “What Else Can I Do with This Recipe” regarding a refreshing pomegranate molasses beverage).  

I encourage you to explore how easy it is to incorporate pomegranate molasses into your food and beverage preparation. Its versatility is unique in the fact that it enhances both sweet and savoury dishes. 

Pomegranate Molasses Sugar Cookies

Yield:  40 -2 ½ inch diameter cookies

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup butter, soft
• ¼ cup organic cane sugar or granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup pomegranate molasses (recipe below)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon 
• Additional organic cane sugar to coat the cookie dough

METHOD:

1. Preheat the oven to 350^oF/177^oC.  Prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a mixer with a paddle, or by hand, cream the butter and the sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, vanilla and pomegranate molasses.  Mix to combine the ingredients well.
4. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
6. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to one hour.
7. Meanwhile, place ½ cup or so of organic cane sugar in a small bowl and set aside. 
8. Once the cookie dough is chilled, scoop the dough using a cookie scoop (#70 scoop – 1 tablespoon (15 g) and roll in the cane sugar.  Place the sugar-coated cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet, leaving 1.5 inches of space between them (15 cookies per baking sheet). Flatten the cookies slightly.
9. Bake the cookies for 8 – 10 minutes.  The cookies will crack on top.  If desired, make an indentation in the top of each cookie using the end of a wooden spoon and squirt pomegranate molasses into each indentation.  Allow the cookies to cool.  

Storage: The cookies can be stored in an airtight container for several days at room temperature or in the freezer for longer storage.

How to Make Pomegranate Molasses

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups pomegranate juice  
• ¼ organic cane sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

METHOD:

1. In a small heavy saucepan, combine the above ingredients over medium heat.  Stir to dissolve the sugar.  
2. Allow the mixture to reduce by 75% to ½ cup total.  
   CHEF TIP:  As the liquid reduces, I pour it into a measuring cup and keep checking the level until it reaches a level of ½ cup.  You will notice a difference in the bubbles when the reduction is becoming viscous. The syrup, or molasses will coat the back of a spoon.
3. Remove the pomegranate molasses from the heat and allow to cool.  Store in a small container.  CHEF TIP:  Place the pomegranate molasses in a squirt bottle if you want to fill the cookie indentation – it is much easier!

What Else Can I Do With This Recipe for Pomegranate Molasses?

• Pomegranate Molasses Simple Salad Dressing:  Mix together olive oil and pomegranate molasses together for a quick salad dressing
  
  
• Pomegranate Molasses Beverage:  For a refreshing summer drink, place some ice in a large glass, add 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon (to taste) of pomegranate molasses to filtered water or Selzer water.  Garnish with a mint sprig and a slice of lime.  Enjoy!
  
  
• Roasted Vegetables:  Drizzle some Pomegranate Molasses on a tray of roasted vegetables a few minutes before they are done or, alternatively, drizzle some of the molasses on a plated tray of roasted vegetables for a tasty dish.  It is especially tasty on roasted mushrooms.  Try this dish from Jamie Oliver – it is outstanding! 

LEARNING TIPS:  

Please CLICK the link above to access my Urb’n’Spice LEARNING TIPS, which are listed alphabetically on the Learning Tips blog post under the following subheadings:

• Parchment paper
• Vanilla
• Creaming
• Oven Temperature Accuracy
  __________

If you try my recipe for Pomegranate Molasses Sugar Cookies, please leave me a comment below with your feedback. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!

Denise Paré-Watson

The Urb’n’Spice Chef

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You Might Also Be Interested In These Urb’n’Spice Recipes:

Fun With Pomegranates

How to Make Cauliflower Tabbouleh (with Pomegranate Arils)

The Amazing Pomello – A How-To Tutorial

Power Sauce – Hidden Greens (Another Super Food creation)

Sources:

Benefits of Pomegranate Molasses

Further Health Benefits of Pomegranate Molasses

DIY Pomegranate Molasses Recipe

How To Use Pomegranate Molasses

What is Pomegranate Molasses?