Sailor Jacks: A Spiced, Comforting Treat with a Rich History

Sailor Jacks: A Spiced, Comforting Treat with a Rich History

There’s something magical about the aroma of warm spices mingling with cocoa and molasses. For me, that magic first appeared in the late 80s at a quaint little bakery on the Oregon coast. It was there I discovered Sailor Jacks , and they’ve been a cherished favorite ever since. These muffins are deeply spiced, richly flavored, and evoke the cozy warmth of gingerbread or spice cake. Topped with a simple vanilla icing, they’re the perfect blend of indulgence and comfort.

Today, I’m sharing the recipe so you can recreate these delightful treats in your own kitchen. Let’s dive in!

Sailor Jacks Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

For the Icing:

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tins

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
• Grease two muffin tins thoroughly or line them with paper liners for easy removal.

Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, sift together the following dry ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Cloves
  • Nutmeg
  • Allspice
  • Ginger
  • White pepper
• Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and airy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

• Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
• Mix in the molasses and buttermilk until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.

Step 6: Add Hot Water and Raisins

• Slowly pour in the hot water while mixing. The batter will become smoother and slightly thinner.
• Gently fold in the raisins.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Tins

• Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup a little over halfway full. This ensures the muffins rise properly without overflowing.

Step 8: Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-24 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
• Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tins for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 9: Prepare the Icing

• While the muffins are baking or cooling, mix together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and adjust the consistency by adding more water, one teaspoon at a time, if needed.

Step 10: Ice the Muffins

• Drizzle the icing generously over the warm muffins. Alternatively, dip the tops of the muffins directly into the icing for an even coating.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

• Allow the icing to set slightly before serving. Enjoy these Sailor Jacks warm for the ultimate comforting experience!

Why You’ll Love Sailor Jacks

These muffins are a symphony of flavors and textures:

• Spices: The medley of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and white pepper creates a warm, inviting aroma and taste.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds a subtle chocolate undertone that complements the spices beautifully.
• Molasses: Provides a deep, rich sweetness with a hint of tang.
• Raisins: Offer bursts of natural sweetness and texture.
• Vanilla Icing: The finishing touch adds a touch of elegance and balances the bold flavors of the muffins.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Skip the Spices: Each spice plays a role in creating the unique flavor profile. If you don’t have all the spices on hand, try substituting with a premade spice blend like pumpkin pie spice.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and high-quality cocoa powder make a noticeable difference in flavor.
3. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet baked goods, reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly or omit the icing.
4. Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave to enjoy them warm again.

A Bite of Nostalgia

Every bite of these Sailor Jacks takes me back to that charming bakery on the Oregon coast. They’re more than just muffins—they’re a slice of comfort, a dash of nostalgia, and a whole lot of love. Whether you’re baking them for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, they’re sure to bring joy to anyone lucky enough to taste them.