Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
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If you have a soft spot for cozy, warmly spiced treats that melt in your mouth, you’re going to adore this Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe. These cookies perfectly capture the rich, deep flavor of molasses with just the right hint of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, resulting in a tender, soft texture that keeps you coming back for one more. Whether you need a comforting afternoon snack or a festive sweet to share, this recipe is a true kitchen classic you’ll treasure forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each element plays a vital role, from providing the aromatic spices to ensuring the cookies stay soft and chewy. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to every cookie.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and become delightfully tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a familiar cozy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a subtle bite that balances sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A tiny dash packs a fragrant punch, elevating the spice profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the other flavors and harmonizes the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a tender, rich base with a perfect chew.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided): Sweetens and gives a subtle crunch from the sugar coating.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together while adding moisture.
- 1/4 cup molasses: The star ingredient – deep, luscious, and full of character.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a creamy sweetness.
- 1/4 cup additional granulated sugar (for rolling): Ensures each cookie has a beautiful, sparkling finish.
How to Make Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step is key to getting those cookies baked evenly with perfectly soft centers.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. Combining the dry spices early ensures each bite is infused with that warm, spicy profile that defines the Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This aeration step creates the tender crumb and delicate texture that make these cookies so irresistible.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, then slowly incorporate the molasses and vanilla extract until your mixture is smooth and well combined. The molasses lends its characteristic deep sweetness and moistness to the dough, crucial for softness.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until the dough forms—overmixing can make the cookies tough, so gently combine everything to keep your Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe delightfully tender.
Step 6: Shape and Roll Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Then, coat these balls generously in the remaining granulated sugar, which forms a subtle crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Step 7: Bake
Place your sugar-coated dough balls two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for edges set but centers still soft—this ensures the cookies retain that signature softness before cooling.
Step 8: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This short rest allows them to firm up slightly while keeping their chewy goodness intact.
How to Serve Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a delightful touch, try dusting cookies lightly with powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon after baking. You can also drizzle a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and molasses for added sweetness and shine. These garnishes enhance the already rich flavor profile without overpowering the softness we’ve all come to love.
Side Dishes
Serve these molasses cookies alongside a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or hot cocoa to complement their spice-lined sweetness. For a snack plate, pair them with slices of sharp cheddar cheese or fresh fruit like crisp apples, which balance the rich molasses notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at your next gathering? Stack your Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe in a rustic tin tied with twine for a charming gift. Or sandwich them with cream cheese frosting or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist. Either way, presentation can make these cookies feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe cookies keep best in an airtight container at room temperature. Store them with a slice of bread or apple to maintain softness for up to a week. This little tip keeps your cookies fresh and chewy as if they were freshly baked.
Freezing
You can freeze dough balls or baked cookies. For dough, scoop and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag—bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to baking time. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer in an airtight container, then thaw at room temperature when ready.
Reheating
To revive the soft texture of leftover cookies, warm them gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This refreshes their chewy warmth wonderfully, bringing back that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I substitute the molasses with honey or maple syrup?
Molasses is unique with its deep flavor and thick consistency, so substituting honey or maple syrup may change the taste and texture significantly. For a similar richness, blackstrap molasses is best, but mild molasses works fine too. Honey or maple syrup will add sweetness but won’t replicate the spice notes of molasses.
Why are my molasses cookies hard instead of soft?
Overbaking is usually the culprit for hard cookies. Make sure to remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set but centers look slightly undercooked. Also, keep the dough moist by not overmixing and storing cookies properly with a slice of bread to retain softness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. To keep the texture soft, you might want to add a little xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it. The spices and molasses will shine through beautifully in a gluten-free version.
How long can I keep these cookies fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these molasses cookies will stay fresh and soft for up to one week at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is the way to go. Properly frozen cookies can last up to three months without losing quality.
Is there a way to make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version of this Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax or chia egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia soaked in 3 tbsp water) instead of a chicken egg. The molasses and spices remain the same, delivering the same warm flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so irresistibly comforting about a batch of soft molasses cookies fresh from the oven, and this Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe makes it simple for anyone to create that magic at home. With just a handful of thoughtful ingredients and a few easy steps, you get wonderfully chewy, perfectly spiced cookies that feel like a warm hug in every bite. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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Print
Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Soft Molasses Cookies are tender, chewy, and bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Perfectly sweetened with molasses and a sugar coating, these classic cookies bake up soft with slightly crisp edges, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
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 prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- 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 usually takes about 2-3 minutes and helps create a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg, molasses, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until a uniform dough forms without overmixing.
- Shape and Roll Dough: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Then roll each ball in the additional 1/4 cup granulated sugar to coat completely.
- Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 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 remain soft.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on them for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake by removing them when the centers still look soft.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Molasses adds moisture and a rich flavor; do not substitute with honey or syrup.
- If you prefer spicier cookies, increase cinnamon and ginger by 1/4 teaspoon each.
- Rolling the dough balls in sugar creates a delightful crackled texture on the surface.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
