Chewy Molasses and Chocolate Chip Bites and My Groove

Hi! Ciao! How are you?? I miss you all!I know I owe you an explanation. It’s all very simple to explain. You may be wondering where I’ve been. My readers. My sweet blog and the blogs I love reading. I’ve neglected you all.

These adorable molasses bites were the first thing I decided to bake. There is something strange and delicious about the flavor of molasses. The Brits call it treacle. The Japanese call it kuro mitsu – which translates to black honey. Americans usually use it to make baked beans or gingerbread.

I still don’t know how to explain what it is to my mother-in-law. She has never seen molasses before. In Italian it is called melassa. She still has no clue what it is. But she likes it. She liked the little molasses bites claiming they were, “Buono. Buono.”

The chewy little bites are moist and not too sweet. The addition of chocolate chips pairs wonderfully with the nostalgic sweet flavor of molasses.

Chewy Molasses and Chocolate Chip Bites
slightly adapted from Everyday Food March 2011

1 3/4 cups all-flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsulfured molasses
4 large egg whites
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar, to coat

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Spray the paper with baking spray.

In a medium sized bowl mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

On a medium speed beat the butter and the granulated sugar until it is pale and fluffy.

On a medium speed beat the butter and the granulated sugar until it is pale and fluffy.

Add the molasses and egg whites and beat until the mixture is combined.
Turn the mixture to low speed and add the flour mixture in small portions until combined.

Add the molasses and egg whites and beat until the mixture is combined.
Turn the mixture to low speed and add the flour mixture in small portions until combined.

With a spatula, scrape down the sides and make sure to fold all the flour bits together into the batter.

With a spatula, scrape down the sides and make sure to fold all the flour bits together into the batter.

Fold in the chocolate chips.

Fold in the chocolate chips.

Transfer your batter to your parchment lined baking pan.

Transfer your batter to your parchment lined baking pan.

Bake approximately 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Bake approximately 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

When completely cooled, lift out the parchment paper and cut the cake into 1 1/2-inch squares.
Add a 1/2 cup of powdered sugar into a zip lock baggie. Add the squared a few at time into the baggie and shake until each square is completely coated.

Enjoy!