Chocolate Molasses Cups

You'll need mini-muffin pans for these gems. They're not-too-sweet, and super delicious.

Crust

2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
2/3 cup butter
1/4 cup water

Filling

1/2 cup molasses
2 eggs
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
one 6-oz pkg (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate morsels
confectioner sugar

Crust Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle water over mixture; stir until dough forms ball.
  3. Divide dough in half. On lightly floured board or pastry cloth, roll dough 1/8" thick. With 2-1/2" round cookie cutter, cut out circles. Press circles into bottom and up sides of mini-muffin/gem pans. Repeat with remaining dough. Set aside.

Filling Preparation

  1. In medium bowl, combine molasses, eggs, and sugar; beat until smooth.
  2. Stir in morsels and walnuts.
  3. Spoon into pastry-lined cups, filling each 2/3 full.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. Cool completely. Remove from pans. Sprinkle with confectioner sugar.

Makes 3 dozen cups.

Variation: Chocolate Molasses Bars

Prepare crust as above; press into bottom and 1/2" up sides of 13" x 9" baking pan. Pour filling over crust. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Cool; sprinkle with confectioner sugar. Cut into bars.