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Molasses Cookies
These soft and chewy molasses cookies are packed with warm spices, making them perfect for any occasion. Quick to bake and full of flavor, they’re a classic favorite your family will love!
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Molasses cookies are the perfect treat with their rich, spiced flavor and soft, chewy texture. These classic cookies are ideal for holiday baking or anytime you crave a cozy, homemade dessert. Made with simple ingredients, they fill your kitchen with the warm scent of ginger and cinnamon. You’ll love how easy these cookies are to whip up for family or friends.
This molasses cookie recipe is super easy to follow. Check out the step-by-step photos and detailed directions for the best results. We’ve also included helpful pro tips and tricks, plus answers to the most frequently asked questions.
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These molasses cookies take just thirty minutes to make, perfect for a quick and delicious treat. Their warm spices and soft, chewy texture make them a crowd favorite at holiday parties or cozy family gatherings. With every bite, you get the rich flavor of molasses paired with ginger and cinnamon. This recipe stands out because it’s easy, full of comforting flavors, and always impresses guests.
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this Molasses Cookies recipe:
- 2¼ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1½ teaspoons of baking soda
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ¼ cup of molasses
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your Molasses Cookies recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your cookies uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Add Nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor boost. These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this popular cookie recipe.
Substitute Molasses: Use honey or maple syrup for a milder sweetness in your Molasses Cookies.
Substitute Shortening: Swap shortening with unsalted butter for a richer, buttery flavor in your cookies.
Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist that pairs perfectly with the spiced molasses flavor.
How to Make Molasses Cookies
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures and instructions to make the perfect Molasses Cookies. Check out the tips and tricks below for the best results. Let’s get started!
FIRST STEP: Whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Set aside.
SECOND STEP: Cream the butter and sugar in a separate bowl with a hand mixer. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat two to three minutes longer until very fluffy.
THIRD STEP: Add in the molasses and beat until combined.
FOURTH STEP: Add the dry ingredients by the spoonful to the butter/sugar mixture until combined.
FIFTH STEP: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour.
Pro Tip
If the dough is too warm, the cookies will spread into a flat puddle. Be sure to chill them for at least one hour before rolling the dough.
If you are working in a warm environment, or if it takes a while to roll the dough, place the rolled cookies back into the refrigerator to chill before baking.
SIXTH STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line sheet pans with parchment paper and set aside.
SEVENTH STEP: Scoop the dough with a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop and roll it into balls between the palms of your hands.
EIGHTH STEP: Roll the cookie dough balls in a small dish of granulated sugar and place the cookie dough on a sheet pan, spaced two inches apart.
Pro Tip
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cookies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
NINTH STEP: Bake for nine to ten minutes, or until cookies show just a hint of brown around the bottom edge.
Allow baked cookies to cool for three to four minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
Pro Tip
Molasses cookies stay super soft – longer than most cookies. Be sure you do not over bake the cookies.
They will have just a hint of brown along the bottom edge, will be puffy, and just starting to crack when they are done. The cookies will deflate when they come out of the oven.
How To Serve Molasses Cookies
You can serve these Molasses Cookies in so many fun and tasty ways! Whether it's for a special occasion or just a cozy night, these cookies always hit the spot. Here are three delicious ways to enjoy them:
Holiday Parties: Molasses Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings like Christmas or Thanksgiving. Their warm spices pair perfectly with hot cocoa or mulled cider. Serve them with a festive dessert like Pumpkin Pie or Gingerbread Men for a holiday spread everyone will love.
After-School Treats: Kids will love these cookies with their soft, chewy texture and sweet, spiced flavor. Serve them with a glass of milk or pair them with Brownie Bites for a fun treat after a busy school day.
Cozy Fall Nights: These cookies are ideal for fall evenings when you want a comforting snack. Enjoy them with a warm Pumpkin Spice Latte or alongside some Apple Crisp for the ultimate cozy dessert combo.
Why You'll Love This Recipe for Molasses Cookies
Molasses Cookies are a timeless favorite for several irresistible reasons:
A Burst of Warm Flavors: This recipe combines the rich sweetness of molasses with the bold spice of ginger and cinnamon. Every bite is a cozy, delicious treat that makes you crave more.
Perfect Texture Every Time: These cookies deliver the perfect balance of soft and chewy, with just the right amount of crisp around the edges. They melt in your mouth, creating the ultimate comforting dessert.
Nostalgic and Heartwarming: For many, Molasses Cookies bring back memories of family gatherings, holiday baking, and cozy nights at home. They evoke a sense of warmth and tradition that’s hard to beat.
Molasses Cookies are more than just a cookie—they’re a beloved classic that brings joy to any occasion!
Recipe FAQ
Why are my molasses cookies too flat?
If your molasses cookies turn out flat, it’s likely because the dough was too warm. Chill it before baking for thicker cookies.
Can I make these cookies without a mixer?
Yes, you can mix the dough by hand using a sturdy spatula or spoon, but it will take more effort.
How can I make sure my cookies stay chewy?
Bake the cookies just until the edges are set and slightly soft in the center to ensure they stay chewy.
Why is my dough sticky and hard to handle?
Molasses makes the dough sticky, so chill it for at least thirty minutes before rolling to make it easier to handle.
Serving FAQ
What is the best way to serve molasses cookies warm?
Serve molasses cookies warm by placing them in the oven for a few minutes at 300°F before enjoying.
Can molasses cookies be served with different toppings?
Yes, you can serve them dusted with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a light glaze for extra sweetness.
How many cookies should I serve per person at a gathering?
Plan to serve 2-3 cookies per person, depending on the size of your gathering and other desserts available.
Are these cookies good for gifting during the holidays?
Yes, molasses cookies make a wonderful gift, especially during the holidays, as their flavors evoke warmth and nostalgia.
Storage FAQ
Follow these directions, tips, and tricks for storing your Molasses Cookies. From making ahead to reheating, we’ve got you covered to keep your cookies fresh!
Can I prepare molasses cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking.
What is the best way to store leftover molasses cookies?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
Can I freeze molasses cookies?
Yes, you can freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature.
How do I reheat molasses cookies?
Reheat the cookies in a 300°F oven for three to five minutes to enjoy them warm and fresh again.
Molasses Cookies
These soft and chewy molasses cookies are packed with warm spices, making them perfect for any occasion. Quick to bake and full of flavor, they’re a classic favorite your family will love!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup molasses
DIRECTIONS
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add in the egg and vanilla extract and beat 2 to 3 minutes longer until very fluffy.
- Add in the molasses and beat until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients, by the spoonful, to the butter/sugar mixture until combined.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line sheet pans with parchment paper and set aside.
- Scoop the dough (we used a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop) and roll into balls between the palms of your hands.
- Roll the balls in a small dish of granulated sugar and place the cookie dough on a sheet pan, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9 to 10 minutes or until cookies show just a hint of brown around the bottom edge. Allow to cool for 3 to 4 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Notes
- If the dough is too warm, the cookies will spread into a flat puddle. Be sure to chill them for at least 1 hour before rolling the dough. If you are working in a warm environment, or if it takes a while to roll the dough, place the rolled cookies back into the refrigerator to chill before baking.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cookies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
- Molasses cookies stay super soft – longer than most cookies. Be sure you do not overbake the cookies. They will have just a hint of brown along the bottom edge, will be puffy, and just starting to crack when they are done. The cookies will deflate when they come out of the oven.
Nutrition
Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 133mg | Potassium: 76mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 140IU | Vitamin C: 0.004mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg
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Comments
Debra says
I have never commented on a recipe before but these cookies turned out beyond perfect!!! I also would not usually go with a one that had no previous reviews. I’m glad I did 😁😁