If you’re craving a cookie that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These cookies bring together the rich, deep flavors of molasses and fragrant spices with a tender, soft texture that practically melts on your tongue. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat or a festive gathering, this recipe captures the perfect balance of sweet and spice, delivering comfort and nostalgia around every bite. Trust me, once you try these soft molasses cookies, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but mighty, each playing a key role in crafting the ultimate chewy and flavorful molasses cookie. From the all-purpose flour that provides structure to the molasses that infuses every bite with rich sweetness, they all come together beautifully in this recipe.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookie’s tender yet sturdy texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies spread and rise just right for softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy notes that complement the molasses perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a subtle spicy kick for extra flavor depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a hint of aromatic warmth to round out the spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances out sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: For a rich, buttery base that keeps the cookies soft.
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided: Sweetness with a little for the dough and some for rolling — creating a delightful sugary crust.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to a chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup molasses: The star ingredient, lending that signature deep, sweet flavor and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup additional granulated sugar: For rolling the dough balls, giving a slight crispy sugar crust on the outside.
How to Make Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats now will make for easy cleanup and prevent sticking, giving you picture-perfect cookies every time.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of spices and leavening agents, which is essential for that consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This aerates the dough, contributing to the soft crumb and a slightly tender bite in your finished cookies.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar blend. Be sure to beat them in until smooth so the flavors meld perfectly, setting the stage for that rich and luscious classic molasses taste you love.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough will come together nicely—avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and soft rather than tough.
Step 6: Shape and Roll Dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Roll each ball in the reserved 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, which will give your cookies a delightful sweet crunch on the outside, adding texture contrast.
Step 7: Bake
Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for edges to set while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked—this is what creates that perfect chewy texture once cooled. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add a lovely visual and flavor twist to your soft molasses cookies. For a festive touch, consider adding a small cinnamon stick or star anise beside your serving plate—they make a charming presentation and enhance the aromatic experience.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced chai tea, hot cocoa, or a creamy latte. The warm spices in the drinks blend harmoniously with the molasses notes, making each bite and sip a cozy moment worth savoring.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking of gifting or elevating your cookie platter? Wrap your soft molasses cookies in parchment paper tied with rustic twine for a homey gift. Alternatively, layer them in a glass jar with alternating layers of cookies and festive dried cranberries or orange peel for a colorful, aromatic display that dazzles the eyes and the taste buds alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover soft molasses cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain their soft texture. Adding a slice of bread inside the container can help keep them moist for longer, as the cookies will absorb the bread’s humidity.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Properly stored, they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To revive the softness and warmth, pop the cookies in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. You can also microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds but beware of overheating, which can toughen the cookie’s texture. Reheating gently keeps them tasting fresh and delightful.
FAQs
Can I substitute molasses with another sweetener?
Molasses has a unique robust flavor and moisture content that defines this cookie. While you can try using honey or dark corn syrup, the flavor and texture will differ significantly. For the classic taste characteristic of soft molasses cookies, I recommend sticking with molasses.
Why are my soft molasses cookies turning out hard?
Overbaking is the most common culprit for hard cookies. Make sure to pull them from the oven when the edges set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. Cooling them on the baking sheet allows residual heat to finish the baking gently while keeping the centers soft.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be mindful that different blends vary, so it might take a little experimenting to get the perfect texture. Adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum can help mimic the tenderness of the original recipe.
What is the best way to roll the dough balls in sugar?
Use your hands to roll the dough into smooth balls first, then gently roll each ball in a shallow dish of granulated sugar. This helps the sugar coat evenly and creates that signature crackly, sweet crust once baked.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dark chocolate chips add wonderful texture and flavor. Just fold them into the dough gently after combining wet and dry ingredients, then proceed as usual. This is a great way to customize the Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe is a heartfelt tribute to those old-fashioned, soft, and spiced delights we all love. It’s easy enough for beginners but rewarding enough for seasoned bakers to enjoy again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch that will fill your home with warmth and happiness. I promise these cookies will become one of your new favorites, perfect for sharing or savoring quietly with your favorite hot drink.
Print
Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Soft Molasses Cookies, a perfect blend of warm spices and rich molasses that delivers a chewy, tender texture. Ideal for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat anytime, these cookies are easy to make and irresistible with their slightly crisp edges and soft centers.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling
- 1/4 cup additional granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg, molasses, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until you achieve a smooth and uniform batter.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until the dough comes together without overmixing, which keeps the cookies tender.
- Shape and Roll Dough: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll each portion into a ball, and then coat it evenly with the additional 1/4 cup granulated sugar. This adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to the cookie exterior.
- Bake: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still appear soft.
- Cool: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely, preserving the soft texture inside.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to cool on the baking sheet.
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Molasses can be substituted with dark corn syrup for a milder flavor but molasses is preferred for authentic taste.
- Using parchment paper or silicone mats helps prevent sticking and promotes even baking.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
