Hey there! Today, I’m serving up a classic treat that’s perfect for the cooler months, holiday baking, or honestly, just because. These Molasses Cookies are rich, spiced, and impossibly soft—think of them as a warm hug in cookie form. I have fond memories of making these with my grandmother, her kitchen filled with the scent of cinnamon and molasses as we eagerly waited for them to cool. Let’s dive into these sweet bites of nostalgia together!
If you’re craving a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and packed with cozy flavors, this recipe is your new best friend!
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Spiced: These cookies have the perfect balance of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
- Incredibly Soft: The molasses keeps these cookies wonderfully moist and chewy.
- Easy Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now!
- Freezer Friendly: These cookies freeze like a dream, so you can always have some on hand.
### Ingredients Breakdown
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of our cookies. Spoon and level your flour for accurate measuring.
- Molasses: The star of the show! Choose unsulfured molasses for the best flavor; avoid blackstrap molasses as it’s too bitter.
- Ground Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves work together to create that signature warm flavor.
- Baking Soda: Key for that soft, slightly puffy texture!
- Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and that irresistible sugar coating before baking.
- Butter: Gives the cookies richness. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Egg: Binds the dough and adds just the right amount of structure.
- Optional Add-Ins: A little orange zest or a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for a festive touch!
### Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground cloves, 1 tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a larger bowl, use an electric mixer to cream ¾ cup softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in ¼ cup molasses and 1 egg until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry & Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies soft!
- Form the Cookies: Roll the dough into balls about 1½ inches in diameter, then roll them in additional granulated sugar for that classic sparkle.
- Bake: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or completely cooled!
### Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes before rolling—it makes the process cleaner and easier.
- Spice It Up: Want a little kick? Add a pinch of cayenne for a surprising depth of flavor.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Or, freeze them for up to 3 months!
### Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Variations: Stir in mini chocolate chips or chopped crystallized ginger for an extra treat.
- Make It Vegan: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water).
- Serving Ideas: These cookies are delightful with a cup of chai tea, hot cocoa, or a tall glass of milk.
### FAQs
- Can I freeze the dough? Yes! Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cook time.
- Why are my cookies flat? This can happen if the butter was too warm. Make sure it’s just softened, not melted!
- Can I double the recipe? Absolutely—these cookies are a crowd-pleaser. Just make sure to chill the dough between batches to keep it easy to handle.
### Recipe Card
Molasses Cookies
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Yield: About 24 cookies
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 egg
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy; mix in molasses and egg.
- Combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just blended.
- Roll into 1½-inch balls, coat in sugar, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool before serving.
I hope these cookies bring as much warmth and joy to your home as they have to mine! If you whip up a batch, I’d absolutely love to see your creation. Snap a pic and tag me on social with #TheKitchensAid—I can’t wait to celebrate your kitchen adventures!
