The Lottie Moon Cookie Recipe isn’t just a delightful treat; it’s a piece of history. These simple tea cakes, originally baked by missionary Lottie Moon in 19th-century China, were her way of building trust and sharing love with local children.
The cookies opened doors for deeper connections and conversations, making them a cherished symbol of kindness and community.
Why You Will Love This Recipe?
You’ll love this Lottie Moon Cookie Recipe because it’s simple, nostalgic, and full of heart. These cookies have a light, crisp texture and just the right amount of sweetness, making them perfect for tea time or a quick treat.
What makes them truly special, though, is the story behind them—baked with love by missionary Lottie Moon to build trust and share kindness. When I make these, I feel like I’m part of something meaningful.
They’re easy to prepare, use everyday ingredients, and carry a comforting, old-fashioned charm that never goes out of style.
How To Make lottie Moon Cookie Recipe
🕒 Prepare Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 5 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 20 minutes
🍽️ Course: Dessert / Tea Snack
🎯 Difficulty: Easy
🌍 Cuisine: American (Southern)
🍪 Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
🛠️ Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter (round or festive shapes)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Cooling rack
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 heaping cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, well beaten
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional, for a lighter texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 475°F (245°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate Egg and Cream
Add the well-beaten egg and heavy cream to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture. If using, add the baking soda and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough very thin, about 1/8 inch thick.
6. Cut the Cookies
Use your cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
7. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 5 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
8. Cool
Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before serving.
🧠 Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie)
- Calories: ~90 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~12g
- Sugars: ~6g
- Fat: ~4g
- Saturated Fat: ~2.5g
- Protein: ~1g
- Sodium: ~20mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and measurements.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Tea Time Delight: Pair these cookies with a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a soothing afternoon snack.
- Festive Treats: Use holiday-themed cookie cutters and decorate with icing for Christmas gatherings.
- Gift Idea: Package them in decorative tins or bags as heartfelt homemade gifts.
💡 Tips and Variations
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note.
- Citrus Twist: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Decorative Touch: Sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking for a festive appearance.
🌿 Health Benefits
While these cookies are a sweet indulgence, making them at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring no preservatives or artificial additives.
Using real butter and fresh ingredients can be a better alternative to store-bought cookies. Enjoying them in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.
How To Store?
I always make sure to store my Lottie Moon cookie recipe in an airtight container once they’ve completely cooled. I keep them at room temperature, where they stay fresh for up to five days.
If I want to make a big batch ahead of time, I freeze them. I layer the cookies with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and freeze them for up to two months. When I’m ready to enjoy them, I just let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
I avoid refrigerating them because it tends to dry them out and dull their crisp, delicate texture. Proper storage keeps them tasting just as lovely as the day I baked them.
📝 Note
This recipe is adapted from Lottie Moon’s original tea cake recipe, which she used as a means to connect with children in China during her missionary work.
The simplicity of the ingredients and the warmth of the gesture made these cookies a symbol of friendship and trust.
🎯 Conclusion
Baking Lottie Moon Cookie Recipe is more than just creating a sweet treat; it’s about embracing a legacy of kindness and connection.
These cookies serve as a reminder of how simple acts can bridge cultures and hearts. Whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or neighbors, you’re partaking in a tradition that celebrates love and community.