Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and nostalgia of Grandma’s kitchen. Her molasses cookies, soft, spiced, and packed with love, are the epitome of comfort food. This timeless recipe is a must-try for anyone who craves a chewy cookie with rich molasses flavor and hints of spice. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as an everyday indulgence, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Incredible Softness: These cookies have a perfectly soft and chewy texture, making them irresistible.
2. Rich Flavor: Molasses gives the cookies their signature depth and sweetness, paired beautifully with a blend of warming spices.
3. Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is both accessible and easy to prepare.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion: While these cookies shine during the holiday season, they’re delicious year-round.

Ingredients

To make Grandma’s irresistibly soft molasses cookies, you’ll need:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

this recipe

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

4. Add Wet Ingredients

Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

6. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps enhance the flavor and makes the dough easier to handle.

7. Shape and Roll

Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough portions and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.

8. Bake

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

9. Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Perfect Molasses Cookies

• Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough ensures the cookies don’t spread too much while baking.
• Use Unsulphured Molasses: For the best flavor, opt for unsulphured molasses. Avoid blackstrap molasses, which can be too bitter.
• Store Properly: Keep your cookies soft by storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread.

Why Molasses Cookies are a Classic

Molasses cookies have been a beloved treat for generations. Their rich, spiced flavor is a nod to traditional holiday baking, but their simplicity makes them a year-round delight. The warm aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is reason enough to make them often!

Make Them Your Own

Want to add a twist? Try these variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: A handful of chocolate chips brings a modern touch.
• Spice it Up: Increase the amount of ginger for an extra kick.
• Glaze Them: Drizzle with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness.

Conclusion

Grandma’s irresistibly soft molasses cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a memory in every bite. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies promise warmth, comfort, and smiles. Bake a batch today and share the love with family and friends!

Serving and Storage Tips for Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairings: Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat.
• Holiday Dessert Tray: Add these cookies to a festive dessert platter alongside sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and shortbread for a holiday spread.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two molasses cookies as the base for homemade ice cream sandwiches. Vanilla or spiced ice cream pairs wonderfully!
• Decorative Touch: Dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for an elegant presentation.

Storage Tips

1. Room Temperature:
   • Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
   • To keep them soft, place a slice of bread or a marshmallow in the container to maintain moisture.
2. Refrigeration:
   • While not necessary, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 7–10 days.
   • Allow the cookies to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
3. Freezing Cookies:
   • Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
   • Cookie Dough: Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Pro Tip for Storage

Avoid storing molasses cookies with crisp cookies, as their moisture can make other cookies soft. Keep them in separate containers for optimal freshness.

By following these tips, you can enjoy Grandma’s irresistibly soft molasses cookies at their best, long after they’ve come out of the oven!

1. Can I use dark molasses instead of light molasses in this recipe?

Yes, you can use dark molasses, but keep in mind it has a stronger and more robust flavor compared to light molasses. Avoid using blackstrap molasses as it can be too bitter and overpower the sweetness of the cookies.

2. How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?

To keep the cookies soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a few marshmallows. These will help retain moisture and prevent the cookies from drying out.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepared up to 48 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw the dough slightly before rolling into balls and baking.

4. Can I substitute the spices in the recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the spices to suit your taste. For example, you can increase the cinnamon or ginger for a spicier flavor or add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for additional warmth.

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