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"Authentic" Joe Frogger Cookies

This is a combination of 5 different "authentic" versions of a beloved 200-something year old recipe from New England. One of the many legends says there was a man named Joe who lived by a swampy bog and sold these robust spice cookies to the local fishermen who frequently passed by. Joe was not fancy. He mixed the dough, plopped it in portions on a tray, and baked them in bulk. The cookies, resembling toads or frogs from Old "Joe Bogger's" became fondly known as "Joe Froggers." While many other legends and possible facts also exist- there is indisputable truth that these unique, never-stale, molasses cookies are well received by all.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: authentic, ginger cookies, joe brown, joe frogger, joe froggers, lucretia brown, massachusetts, molasses, new england, pumpkin spice, rum, spiced oatmeal, whole grain
Servings: 3 dozen
Author: Heather I. Scott
Cost: $10

Equipment

  • 1 mixing bowl or electric mixer
  • 2 baking trays
  • 1 roll parchment paper

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 2 cups oat bran
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 1 tsp cloves
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup roasted dandelion root or roasted chicory root tea
  • 3/4 cup cooking oil
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup dark rum or hot water

Instructions

Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, mix together whole wheat flour, oat bran flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, salt, and dandelion root.

Wet Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, cream together oil, molasses, vanilla extract, and rum.

Combining Altogether

  • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, until just combined.
  • Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes.
  • Spoon or scoop onto a parchment-lined baking tray in large walnut-sized portions.
  • If desired, gently press to slightly flatten. Alternatively, you can pinch the sides to make oblong frog-shapes.
  • Bake at 375F for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Notes

To read more about the origination of Joe Froggers, visit:
"Joe Froggers:  The Weight of the Past in a Cookie" 
tps://blog.library.si.edu/blog/2016/11/01/joe-froggers-weight-past-cookie/
and
"In Honor of Lucretia Brown: Joe Froggers (part 1)
https://thefoundrecipebox.blogspot.com/2010/01/in-honor-of-lucretia-brown-joe-froggers.html