Pine Tree Shillings: A Taste of Colonial New England

The first time I encountered Pine Tree Shillings, it wasn’t in a history book, but at a colonial-themed bake sale. My grandmother, a woman with an encyclopedic knowledge of American history and an uncanny ability to coax magic from simple ingredients, always made a batch. I remember being utterly fascinated by their slightly misshapen, rustic charm. They tasted of molasses and warm spices, a comforting flavor that instantly transported me back to a time of powdered wigs and revolutionary spirit, and always brought a smile to my face.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
• Cook Time: 5-8 minutes
• Total Time: **Several hours (including chilling) **
• Yields: 16 dozen shilling size cookies
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/4 cup lard (see substitution note)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Note on Lard: For a modern twist, or for those avoiding animal products, you can substitute vegetable shortening or even coconut oil. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the texture will remain similar.

Equipment Needed

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Plastic Wrap
• Rolling Pin
• Cookie Sheet
• Greased Cookie Sheet

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of molasses, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of lard. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, resulting in a more tender cookie. If using coconut oil, ensure it’s at room temperature and softened but not melted.
2. In a small bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
3. Gradually blend the flour mixture into the creamed mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten and result in a tough cookie.
4. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. This will make the rolling process easier and ensure consistent cookie size.
5. On a lightly floured surface, shape each portion into a 10-inch long roll. Aim for a uniform thickness throughout each roll for even baking.
6. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents the dough from drying out and absorbing unwanted flavors in the refrigerator.
7. Chill the wrapped dough rolls for several hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling allows the lard (or its substitute) to solidify, which will prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
8. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
9. Slice each roll into pieces a little more than 1/4-inch thick. A sharp knife is essential for clean slices. If the dough is too firm to slice easily, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
10. Place the sliced cookies on a greased cookie sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
11. Press each cookie with your thumb until it is about 1/8-inch thick. This step is important for achieving the desired texture and ensuring even baking. In the colonial era, it’s theorized that they used the coin to press the dough as a sign of defiance, or humor.
12. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 5 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as they can burn easily. The edges should be lightly golden brown.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of cloves or nutmeg can add a warm, festive touch.
• Even baking: For perfectly even baking, use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. Rotate the cookie sheets halfway through baking.
• Make-ahead marvel: The dough can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This is a great way to break up the baking process.
• Coin decoration: If you want to truly capture the spirit of the Pine Tree Shilling, try pressing a clean, food-safe coin (or a cookie stamp with a similar design) into the cookies before baking.
• Prevent spreading: To minimize spreading, make sure your baking sheets are cool before placing the cookie dough on them. You can also chill the shaped cookies for 15 minutes before baking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Pine Tree Shillings are delightful served alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee. Their warm, spiced flavor pairs perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be thawed at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If they’ve lost some of their snap, you can refresh them by baking at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	115.3 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	29 g	26%
Total Fat	3.3 g	5%
Saturated Fat	1.3 g	6%
Cholesterol	3 mg	1%
Sodium	61.5 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	20.2 g	6%
Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
Sugars	9.2 g	N/A
Protein	1.2 g	2%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Shillings: Substitute the lard with coconut oil and ensure your brown sugar is vegan-friendly (some brands use bone char in the refining process).
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
• Maple Spice: Replace half of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer, more complex flavor.
• Citrus Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, aromatic twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use butter instead of lard?
A: Yes, you can substitute butter for lard. The texture will be slightly different, resulting in a slightly softer cookie, but the flavor will still be delicious. Use unsalted butter and ensure it’s softened before creaming with the sugar and molasses.

Q: Why do I need to chill the dough?
A: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more flavorful and tender cookie.

Q: My cookies are too hard. What did I do wrong?
A: Overbaking is the most common cause of hard cookies. Make sure to bake them for only 5 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Overmixing the dough can also contribute to hardness, so be careful not to overmix.

Q: Can I add nuts to these cookies?
A: Absolutely! Finely chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition. Add about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the dough along with the flour mixture.

Q: How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?
A: Grease your baking sheet thoroughly with cooking spray or shortening. You can also line the baking sheet with parchment paper for guaranteed non-stick results.

Final Thoughts

These Pine Tree Shillings are more than just cookies; they’re a little piece of American history, a taste of colonial New England, and a reminder of simpler times. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the warm, comforting flavors for yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices or substitutions to create your own unique version. And if you happen to press a coin into the dough, do it with a wink and a nod to the spirit of defiance and independence that these cookies represent. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine over the years!