Rediscovering the Charm of Sailor Jacks: A Nostalgic Treat from the Oregon Coast

In the late 1980s, during a visit to a quaint bakery nestled along the Oregon coast, I encountered a delightful pastry that would become a cherished memory: the Sailor Jack muffin. These spiced, cocoa-infused muffins, reminiscent of gingerbread or spice cake, were topped with a simple vanilla icing, offering a comforting and flavorful experience.

🧁 Ingredients

Muffins:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon ground cloves

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons ground allspice

1 teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon ground white pepper

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1¼ cups packed brown sugar

3 large eggs

½ cup molasses

⅔ cup buttermilk

1 cup hot water

1 cup raisins

Icing:

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2–3 tablespoons water

👩‍🍳 Instructions