Molasses Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that captures warm spices, chewy texture, and a touch of old-fashioned charm, this Molasses Cookies Recipe is the perfect find. These cookies are beautifully rich with molasses and a harmonious blend of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma. They come out tender yet slightly crisp around the edges, making them an irresistible treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a cozy sweet, this recipe is straightforward, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Molasses Cookies Recipe calls for simple ingredients that work together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays its part, from the sweetness of granulated sugar to the depth of spices and the moisture that molasses brings to the dough.

• Vegetable shortening: Melted shortening adds tenderness and keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness with a hint of crunch on the cookie’s surface when rolled in extra sugar.
• Unsulphured molasses: Gives the cookies their characteristic deep, rich flavor and beautiful dark color.
• Large eggs: Bind the dough ingredients and contribute to the chewy texture.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, creating structure while keeping things tender.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a lovely lightness inside.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Ground cloves: Adds warm and slightly sweet spice notes that complement molasses beautifully.
• Ground ginger: Provides a gentle zing and depth of spice.
• Ground cinnamon: Offers a classic warmth and rounds out the spice mix with a comforting aroma.

How to Make Molasses Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly, setting you up for success right from the start.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

Using a hand mixer, beat the melted shortening, granulated sugar, and molasses together for about 3 minutes. This not only combines the ingredients well but also helps create a creamy, smooth base for your cookie dough, infusing it with that signature molasses flavor.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Next, add the slightly beaten eggs to the mixture and continue beating for roughly 2 minutes. This step helps incorporate air, which contributes to the cookies’ light but chewy texture.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cloves, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon. This evenly distributes the leavening and spices to make sure every bite is flavorful and balanced.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients and beat until fully combined. The dough will thicken and come together nicely, promising those perfectly soft cookies with just the right chew.

Step 6: Let the Dough Rest

Allow the cookie dough to stand for 5-10 minutes. This little pause lets the flour hydrate fully, making the dough easier to handle and improving the final texture of your cookies.

Step 7: Shape and Sugar Coat

Roll the dough into balls roughly the size of a tablespoon. Optionally, roll these balls in granulated sugar for an appealing sparkle and a slightly crunchy exterior, although the classic recipe tastes wonderful without this extra step.

Step 8: Bake

Place your sugar-coated or plain dough balls onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet about 3 inches apart. Bake for 10-11 minutes, watching for the edges to firm up while the centers remain soft. This ensures a chewy center complemented by crisp edges.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Cooling completely not only helps the cookies set but also enhances their flavor and texture – patience definitely pays off here!

How to Serve Molasses Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to dress up your molasses cookies, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate makes for eye-catching and flavorful garnishes. You can also consider a sprinkle of coarse sugar or even a quick brush of melted butter and cinnamon sugar for extra sparkle and warmth.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages such as chai tea, spiced coffee, or a creamy mug of hot cocoa. Their warm spices and sweetness also complement a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy dessert treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, stack these cookies with a spread of cream cheese frosting or sandwich them with lemon curd or apple butter. You can also use them as a base for cookie crust pies or crumble them over ice cream for a rustic topping that adds texture and spice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover molasses cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain moisture and freshness between the cookies.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies or unbaked cookie dough balls. For baked cookies, lay them flat in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper, freezing for up to 3 months. For dough, freeze on a sheet tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag for quick baking whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To revive your cookies, warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes or microwave individually for 15-20 seconds. This brings back that chewy softness and enhances the molasses aroma for the perfect freshly baked feel.

FAQs

Can I substitute the vegetable shortening with butter?

Absolutely! Butter will add a richer flavor, but it can also make the cookies spread more and become a bit crispier. If using butter, consider chilling the dough before baking to maintain shape.

What is unsulphured molasses, and can I use regular molasses instead?

Unsulphured molasses comes from mature sugar cane and has a cleaner, richer taste. Regular molasses is fine as a substitute, but it might impart a slightly more bitter or less smooth flavor depending on the brand.

How do I know when the molasses cookies are done baking?

Look for cookies that are firm around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to set as they cool, so avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add great texture and flavor. You can also experiment with dried fruit or chocolate chips for your own signature twist on this Molasses Cookies Recipe.

Why should I let the dough rest before baking?

Resting the dough allows the flour to absorb moisture fully, which helps the cookies hold their shape better and develop a more tender crumb.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about baking this Molasses Cookies Recipe and filling your home with the irresistible scent of warm spices and sweet molasses. It’s a recipe that feels timeless and comforting, perfect for sharing with family and friends on cozy afternoons or special occasions. I encourage you to give it a try — once you taste these chewy, aromatic cookies, they’ll quickly become a favorite you’ll return to again and again.

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