Soft and Chewy Molasses Cookies

Name: Soft and Chewy Molasses Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract

Author: Tessa

Published: July 17, 2025

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Molasses Cookies have been a staple in my kitchen for as long as I can remember, especially when the air turns crisp and the holidays are just around the corner. There’s something truly magical about the aroma of warm spices filling your home, and these soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced Molasses Cookies deliver that feeling every single time. This isn’t just any recipe; it’s the culmination of years of tweaking and testing to achieve that ideal balance of deep, comforting flavor and irresistible texture. I’ve been baking for decades, and trust me, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bringing a little bit of holiday cheer with every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Molasses Cookies

These Molasses Cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re a joy to make and share! I promise you’ll adore them because:

They’re incredibly easy to whip up, even for beginner bakers.
The rich, spiced flavor is truly comforting and addictive.
They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.
You’ll get that perfect soft, chewy texture every single time.

Molasses Cookies - detail 1

The Irresistible Charm of Molasses Cookies

The moment these Molasses Cookies start to bake, your kitchen will fill with the most enchanting aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Their crinkly, sugar-dusted tops hint at the soft, tender interior that melts in your mouth, leaving a warm, spicy sweetness that lingers beautifully. Truly irresistible!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Molasses Cookies

Creating these delightful Molasses Cookies starts with gathering the right ingredients. You’ll need 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt for your dry mixture. For the wet ingredients, make sure you have 1 cup (that’s two sticks) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. You’ll also need ½ cup of granulated sugar, plus a little extra for rolling, ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, ½ cup of rich molasses, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of alcohol-free vanilla extract. Having everything measured out and ready before you start will make the baking process so much smoother!

Understanding Your Molasses Cookies Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Molasses Cookies plays a vital role. The molasses isn’t just for flavor; it contributes significantly to that signature soft, chewy texture and rich color we all love. The blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates the classic warmth and aromatic spice profile that makes these cookies so comforting. Baking soda helps with the lift and spread, giving them their characteristic crinkly tops, while the butter and sugars provide the tender crumb and sweetness. It’s truly a symphony of flavors and textures!

How to Make Molasses Cookies

Making these Molasses Cookies is a straightforward process, but paying attention to each step ensures that perfect, chewy result every time. We’ll start by getting our oven ready and then move on to combining the dry and wet ingredients separately before bringing them together. Remember, precision here leads to deliciousness!

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial so your oven is at the correct temperature when your cookies are ready to bake. While the oven heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Make sure these are thoroughly combined; you don’t want a bite that’s super gingery and another that’s bland!

Next, in a large bowl, cream together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. You’ll want to beat these until they’re light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes with an electric mixer. This step incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ tender texture. Then, beat in the molasses, egg, and alcohol-free vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth. Finally, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing only until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can develop too much gluten, leading to tougher cookies, and we want soft and chewy!

Once your dough is ready, roll it into 1-inch balls. Don’t make them too big or too small. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat it completely; this gives them that beautiful sparkle and a delightful sugary crust. Place these sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. They will spread a bit, so give them room. Bake for 8-10 minutes. The key here is not to overbake! You want the edges to be set, but the centers should still look soft. They will firm up as they cool. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Molasses Cookies - detail 2

Preparing Your Molasses Cookies Dough

The secret to great Molasses Cookies dough is in the mixing! After whisking your dry ingredients, focus on creaming the butter and sugars until they are truly light and fluffy. This aeration is key for a tender cookie. When incorporating the molasses, egg, and alcohol-free vanilla extract, ensure they are fully blended. Finally, add your dry ingredients a little at a time, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Don’t overmix; gentle handling keeps the dough soft and pliable.

Baking Your Molasses Cookies to Perfection

Baking these Molasses Cookies requires a watchful eye. Once your sugared dough balls are on the parchment-lined sheets, slide them into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The visual cue for doneness is when the edges are set, but the centers still appear slightly soft and puffy. They might look a little underdone, but trust me, they will continue to cook and set as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success with Molasses Cookies

Achieving those perfectly soft and chewy Molasses Cookies every time comes down to a few key tips I’ve learned over the years. First and foremost, resist the urge to overbake! That 8-10 minute window is critical. When the edges are just set and the centers still look a little soft, pull them out. They’ll continue to set on the hot baking sheet, resulting in that delightful chewiness rather than a hard, crumbly cookie. Also, make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted, for the best dough consistency. For proper storage, once completely cooled, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This locks in their moisture and keeps them fresh for days!

Molasses Cookies: Frequently Asked Questions

I get a lot of questions about these delightful Molasses Cookies, especially when people are aiming for that perfect chewy texture or planning ahead for holiday baking. Here are some of the most common inquiries I receive, which will help you master these spiced cookies and ensure they turn out beautifully every time. Whether you’re wondering about storage, freezing, or achieving that ultimate softness, I’ve got you covered!

Can I Freeze Molasses Cookies Dough?

Absolutely! Freezing Molasses Cookies dough is a fantastic way to prepare ahead. Simply roll the dough into balls, coat them in sugar, and then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just place them on a baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

How to Keep Molasses Cookies Soft?

The trick to keeping your Molasses Cookies wonderfully soft and chewy is all about proper storage and avoiding overbaking. First, never overbake them; pull them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look a little soft. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For an extra boost of softness, you can even place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them perfectly tender.

Storing and Serving Your Molasses Cookies

Once your Molasses Cookies have completely cooled, the best way to keep them fresh and soft is to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days, though I doubt they’ll last that long! These spiced beauties are wonderful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat. They’re also perfect for sharing during the holidays!

Estimated Molasses Cookies Nutritional Information

For those curious about the specifics, here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one of these delicious Molasses Cookies. Please remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes. Each cookie is approximately 120 calories, with about 5g of fat (3g saturated), 18g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. Enjoy in moderation!

Share Your Molasses Cookies Creations

I absolutely adore seeing your baking triumphs! If you whip up a batch of these Molasses Cookies, please come back and leave a comment below—let me know how they turned out! You can also rate the recipe, which helps other home cooks discover it. And don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on social media; tag me so I can see your festive, spiced cookies!