Heavenly Molasses Cookies Recipe: Cozy Sweetness in Every Bite

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen swirl around these nostalgic molasses cookies that dance between spicy warmth and sugary comfort.

Memories of childhood weekends often drift back when crisp edges meet soft centers.

Robust molasses brings deep caramel notes that whisper of traditional baking magic.

Warm spices like cinnamon and ginger create a symphony of flavors that feel like a gentle embrace.

Coastal New England bakers perfected this classic treat generations ago, passing down recipes through loving hands.

Each bite promises a connection to heritage and home-baked joy.

Trust me, you will want to clear your afternoon and start mixing these irresistible morsels right now.

Why Chewy Molasses Cookies Are a Must-Try for Beginners

• Savor Spiced Comfort: These molasses cookies deliver a warm, cozy embrace of classic holiday spices that wrap you in nostalgic comfort with every bite.
• Master Baking with Ease: Beginners and experienced bakers alike can confidently create these cookies, thanks to straightforward steps and simple ingredient mixing techniques.
• Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or unexpected sweet cravings, these cookies guarantee smiles and requests for seconds with their irresistible chewy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Stress-Free Preparation: With minimal ingredients and uncomplicated instructions, these molasses cookies can be prepared quickly, making them an ideal treat for busy home bakers seeking delicious results without complex techniques.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chewy Molasses Cookies

• Flour: The fundamental dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookies.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
• Butter: Delivers rich flavor and helps bind the cookie dough together.
• Molasses: Offers a deep, complex sweetness and signature dark color to the cookies.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to the cookie's texture and structure.

• Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves: These warm spices create a classic, comforting flavor profile characteristic of traditional molasses cookies.

• Baking Soda, Salt: Help the cookies rise and balance the overall flavor of the recipe.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides a sweet, crisp exterior and adds a slight crunch to the cookies' surface.

Simple Steps to Make Chewy Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground cloves
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to blend butter and brown sugar. Whip until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like soft clouds.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Crack an egg into the butter mixture and blend until smooth. Pour in molasses and mix thoroughly, creating a rich, dark batter.

Step 5: Create Cookie Dough

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until a uniform dough forms, avoiding overmixing.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Pop the dough into the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This magical resting time helps develop deeper flavors and prevents cookies from spreading too much.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Roll the chilled dough into small balls, each about 1 inch in diameter. Aim for consistent sizing to ensure even baking.

Step 8: Coat in Sugar

Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar, making sure every inch gets a sparkling sugar coating.

Step 9: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow room for spreading.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges turn slightly crisp and centers look soft with delightful crackles.

Step 11: Cool and Set

Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up and prevents breaking.

Step 12: Final Cooling

Transfer cookies to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely. This step helps cookies develop their signature chewy texture and intense molasses flavor.

Cookie Tips for Soft and Chewy Molasses Goodness

• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent cookies from spreading and enhance deep, rich flavor profiles.
• Measure Spices Precisely: Use fresh, high-quality ground spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves to maximize the warm, aromatic taste of the molasses cookies.
• Roll in Sugar Generously: Coat each dough ball completely in granulated sugar for a delightful crackled exterior and sweet, crunchy finish.
• Avoid Overbaking: Watch cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking to maintain a soft, chewy center while achieving slightly crisp edges.
• Store Smartly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to preserve their soft texture and intense molasses flavor.

Fun Spins on Chewy Molasses Cookie Recipes

• Chocolate Chip Molasses Cookies: Add 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, indulgent version that combines classic molasses warmth with chocolate sweetness.
• Spiced Pecan Molasses Cookies: Mix 1/2 cup chopped pecans into the dough and sprinkle additional toasted pecans on top before baking for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Orange Zest Molasses Cookies: Incorporate 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest into the wet ingredients to brighten the traditional spice profile with a citrusy undertone.
• Salted Caramel Molasses Cookies: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over cooled cookies and sprinkle sea salt flakes for a sophisticated sweet-and-salty combination.

What Goes Well with Molasses Cookies

• Pair with Warm Spiced Chai Tea: Complement the cookies' warm spices with a rich, fragrant chai tea that echoes the cinnamon and ginger notes in the molasses cookies.
• Enhance with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between the cookie's spicy warmth and the cool, smooth dessert.
• Match with Aged Rum or Bourbon: Enjoy a small glass of aged rum or bourbon, which brings out the deep molasses flavors and adds a sophisticated adult twist to the cookie experience.
• Create a Cheese Plate Companion: Offer these cookies with a selection of sharp aged cheddar or creamy goat cheese, letting the cookie's sweetness balance the cheese's tangy profile.

How to Store Chewy Molasses Cookies Properly

• Place cooled molasses cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft and chewy texture.
• Wrap individual cookies or entire batches in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor when properly sealed.
• Store cookies in a sealed container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture, keeping them in a cool, dry place.

Common Questions About Molasses Cookie Baking

• Why chill the dough before baking?

Chilling helps prevent cookies from spreading too much and allows spices to develop deeper, richer flavors, resulting in a more concentrated taste and better texture.

• Can I substitute molasses with another ingredient?

Molasses provides a unique deep, rich flavor that’s hard to replace. While honey or maple syrup might work, they’ll significantly alter the classic molasses cookie taste and texture.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly crisp edges and soft, crackled centers. The cookies will appear slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

• What makes these cookies have such a distinctive texture?

The combination of chilled dough, rolling in sugar, and precise baking time creates a crisp exterior with a soft, chewy interior that’s characteristic of traditional molasses cookies.

Molasses Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45-42 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Grandma’s classic molasses cookies bring warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen, blending rich spices with sweet, deep molasses. Crisp edges and chewy centers make these cookies a perfect companion for evening tea or a comforting dessert you’ll cherish.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Cream butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer.
4. Incorporate the egg into the butter mixture, blending until smooth and well integrated.
5. Pour molasses into the wet ingredients and mix until fully incorporated.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a uniform dough forms.
7. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance flavor and prevent spreading.
8. Roll chilled dough into small balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter.
9. Gently roll each dough ball in granulated sugar, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Arrange sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are slightly crisp and centers appear soft and crackled.
12. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes.
13. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up and develop a chewy texture.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent excessive spreading and create a perfectly dense, chewy cookie texture.
• Experiment with spice combinations by adding a pinch of cardamom or black pepper for an unexpected flavor twist.
• For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cookie’s soft, classic structure.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and prevent them from drying out quickly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg