Homemade Sailor Jack Treats

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These Homemade Sailor Jacks are a wonderfully nostalgic, spice-forward treat that falls somewhere between a muffin and a hearty spice cake. Built on a deep molasses base and layered with warming spices—including a gentle hint of white pepper—they’re cozy, fragrant, and full of old-fashioned charm.

Homemade Sailor Jacks

Ingredients

For the Cakes

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	2 cups
Baking powder	1½ tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Salt	1 tsp
Cocoa powder	⅓ cup
Cinnamon	1½ tbsp
Cloves	1 tsp
Nutmeg	½ tsp
Allspice	2 tsp
Ginger	1 tsp
White pepper	½ tsp
Unsalted butter, softened	½ cup
Brown sugar	1¼ cups
Eggs	3
Buttermilk	⅔ cup
Molasses	½ cup
Hot water	1 cup
Raisins	1 cup

For the Icing

Ingredient	Amount
Powdered sugar	2 cups
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Water	⅔ tbsp

How to Make Homemade Sailor Jacks

Step 1: Prepare & Sift

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease two muffin tins.
• In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and white pepper).

Step 2: Cream the Batter

• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in the molasses and buttermilk until fully blended.

Step 3: Bring Everything Together

• Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
• Stir in the hot water and raisins. The batter will be thinner than typical muffin batter—this is exactly how Sailor Jacks should be.

Step 4: Bake

• Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each just over halfway.
• Bake for 20–24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Glaze & Serve

• While the cakes bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and water until smooth.
• Drizzle the glaze over the warm muffins or dip the tops for a thicker coating.

✨ These Sailor Jacks are best enjoyed warm, when the spices are most aromatic and the molasses flavor is rich and comforting—perfect for a cozy snack or nostalgic treat.