Molasses Cookies

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Warm, spiced, and irresistibly chewy, Molasses Cookies are the perfect treat for any season, but they shine especially bright during the holidays. These cookies are rich with deep molasses flavor, a hint of ginger and cinnamon, and a delightful crunch from the sugar coating. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering a nostalgic taste of homemade comfort.

The magic of Molasses Cookies lies in their perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The dark molasses gives them a deep, caramel-like richness, while the ginger and cinnamon add a warm, cozy touch. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee, a cold glass of milk, or simply on their own, these cookies will quickly become a household favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Molasses Cookie Recipe

• Perfectly Soft and Chewy – These cookies stay moist and tender thanks to the molasses and brown sugar.
• Spiced to Perfection – A warming blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves adds the perfect holiday touch.
• Easy to Make – No fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just classic baking at its best.
• Great for Gifting – Their long shelf life makes them ideal for holiday cookie exchanges or thoughtful homemade gifts.
• Freezer-Friendly – You can make them ahead and freeze them for later!

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the baking process, having the right tools and setup will ensure your Molasses Cookies turn out perfectly every time. Here’s what you’ll need and why each tool is important:

• Mixing Bowls (Large and Medium) – A large bowl for mixing wet ingredients and a medium one for dry ingredients ensures even distribution of flavors.
• Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand Mixer) – Helps cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, giving the cookies their soft texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – Precise measurements are key to achieving the right balance of flavors and consistency.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon – Essential for scraping down the sides of the bowl and incorporating ingredients evenly.
• Baking Sheet – A sturdy, non-stick or parchment-lined baking sheet helps the cookies bake evenly without sticking.
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon – Ensures uniform-sized cookies that bake at the same rate.
• Wire Cooling Rack – Helps cool the cookies evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.

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Preparation Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Softened butter and room-temperature eggs blend more easily, resulting in a smoother dough.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overworking the flour can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy. Mix just until combined.
• Chill the Dough if Needed – If the dough feels sticky, refrigerating for 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
• Roll in Sugar for Extra Crunch – Coating the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking adds a slight crispiness to the exterior.
• Leave Space Between Cookies – These cookies spread while baking, so place them at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

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Ingredients for This Molasses Cookie Recipe

To make these soft and chewy Molasses Cookies, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and warm spices. Here’s everything required:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Rolling:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the spices and ensures the cookies have a balanced flavor. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step helps create soft and chewy cookies.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined. The mixture may look slightly separated, but it will come together when the dry ingredients are added.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies dense instead of soft.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar for a sweet, slightly crisp coating.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store for later!

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Notes

• Molasses Choice Matters – Use unsulfured molasses (such as Grandma’s Original) for the best flavor. Avoid blackstrap molasses, as it is too bitter.
• For Extra Soft Cookies – Remove them from the oven when the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Want a Crispier Texture? – Bake for an extra 1-2 minutes for a more snap-like consistency.
• Spice Level Adjustment – Feel free to tweak the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves based on your preference. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for more warmth.
• Freezing the Dough – You can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months and bake them straight from the freezer—just add an extra 2 minutes to the baking time.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking – The cookies will look slightly underdone when they’re ready. If you bake them until they look fully set, they will turn out too hard once cooled.
• Skipping the Sugar Coating – Rolling the dough balls in sugar adds a subtle crunch and enhances the overall texture.
• Not Measuring Flour Properly – Too much flour can make the cookies dry. Use the spoon and level method rather than scooping directly from the bag.
• Overmixing the Dough – Overworking the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
• Placing Cookies Too Close Together – These cookies spread while baking, so ensure they are at least 2 inches apart to prevent them from merging.

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What to Serve With Molasses Cookies?

Molasses Cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and desserts, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

8 Perfect Pairings

1. Hot Coffee or Espresso

The deep, caramel-like molasses flavor complements the bold, roasted notes of coffee, creating a perfect balance.

2. Cold Milk

A classic pairing—dunking a chewy Molasses Cookie into a cold glass of milk enhances its sweetness and soft texture.

3. Chai Tea

The warm spices in chai, like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, match beautifully with the flavors of these cookies.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream

Sandwiching a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two Molasses Cookies makes for a delicious homemade ice cream sandwich.

5. Hot Chocolate

A rich, creamy mug of hot cocoa elevates the warmth and sweetness of these spiced cookies.

6. Apple Cider

Warm or cold apple cider pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and ginger notes in the cookies, making it a cozy fall favorite.

7. Whipped Cream or Cream Cheese Frosting

For an indulgent twist, spread a little whipped cream or cream cheese frosting on top of the cookies.

8. Cheese Board

Surprisingly, Molasses Cookies go well with mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese, offering a sweet and savory contrast.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store Molasses Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture and stay fresh longer.

Refrigeration

While not necessary, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing Baked Cookies

To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing Cookie Dough

For fresh-baked cookies anytime, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes to the baking time.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie)

• Calories: ~140
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 1.5g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sodium: 90mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use blackstrap molasses instead of regular molasses?

Blackstrap molasses is much more bitter and intense, which can overpower the sweetness of the cookies. For the best flavor, stick to unsulfured molasses.

2. How do I keep my Molasses Cookies soft?

To maintain their chewiness, store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread helps retain moisture, keeping the cookies fresh longer.

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Alternatively, freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months and bake as needed.

4. Why did my cookies turn out hard instead of chewy?

Overbaking is the most common reason for hard cookies. Remove them when the edges are set but the centers still look soft—they will continue baking as they cool.

5. Can I substitute butter with oil or shortening?

Butter gives the best flavor, but if you prefer, you can use shortening for a slightly puffier texture. Avoid using oil, as it changes the consistency.

6. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Not always, but if your dough feels sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.

7. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add delicious texture and extra flavor.

8. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.

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Conclusion

Molasses Cookies are a timeless classic, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and spice with a soft and chewy texture. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, as an everyday treat, or for a special occasion, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Enjoy them fresh, freeze them for later, or share them as a homemade gift—either way, they’ll bring warmth and comfort in every bite!

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