Cookies that nourish the soul (gluten free)
These aren’t just cookies. They’re a mineral-rich yes in the form of something soft and sweet. Made with just a handful of nourishing ingredients, these peanut butter molasses cookies are simple, grounding, and exactly what my body has been craving lately.
Lately, I’ve found myself being drawn to molasses. That deep, almost bitter sweetness was calling me—louder than usual. I wasn’t quite sure why, but I trusted it. And after a little reflection (and a look at the nutrition label), it all made sense:
Why Molasses?
Molasses, specifically blackstrap molasses, is one of the most mineral-rich sweeteners you can find. Unlike refined sugars that offer only empty calories, molasses is a powerhouse of nourishment.
Just one tablespoon contains:
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Iron - 20% of your daily needs
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Calcium – 17% of your daily needs
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Magnesium – supports muscle, nerve, and hormone balance
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Potassium – more than a banana!
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B6 – supports mood, metabolism, and energy
It's no wonder my body, mind, and spirit were all reaching for it. As someone who tends to run on the deficient side of iron and calcium, molasses has become a deeply grounding staple in my kitchen.
The Cookies
This recipe is a twist on the classic 3-ingredient peanut butter cookie. I swapped out the sugar for molasses and added a bit of cassava flour to help bind the extra moisture. The result? A soft, earthy, rich little cookie that satisfies with every bite.
Ingredients:
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1 cup peanut butter
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1/2 cup blackstrap molasses
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1 egg
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1–2 tablespoons cassava flour (as needed for texture, I used 2)
Mix everything together, spoon onto parchment-lined baking sheet, press gently with a fork (or not!), and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Let cool on the sheet before transferring—these cookies are tender and soft with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
🥜 Easy Paleo Swap:
Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter to make this truly paleo.
Same measurements apply, and almond or cashew butter actually pairs beautifully with the deep flavor of molasses.
Other Ways to Use Molasses
If you're looking to bring more molasses into your daily rhythm (especially for that iron/calcium boost), here are a few simple ideas:
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Stir into warm milk with cinnamon and a pinch of sea salt
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Add to smoothies with banana, spinach, and nut butter
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Drizzle over roasted sweet potatoes or carrots
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Whisk into a balsamic dressing, or glaze for earthy vegetables
These aren't fussy recipes—just real food with real nourishment.
A Gentle Reminder
We don’t always need to understand why our body craves what it does. Sometimes, it’s enough to simply listen. These cookies were born from that moment of trust—where intuition met nourishment and something sweet came out of it.
I hope you try them. I hope they nourish you. And I hope they remind you that sometimes the most powerful medicine is found in the quiet, old-fashioned, forgotten things. Like a jar of molasses in the back of your pantry.
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