Soft Molasses Cookies

Molasses cookies are a warm, comforting treat, perfect for the holiday season or any time you’re craving a spicy-sweet indulgence. These soft molasses cookies are filled with rich flavors of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, creating a chewy, flavorful bite with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just because, these cookies are a family favorite that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients for Soft Molasses Cookies

To make the softest, most delicious molasses cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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

Instructions for Soft Molasses Cookies

this recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. This process helps to create the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cookies.

Step 3: Add Molasses and Egg

Beat in the molasses and egg until fully incorporated. The molasses adds that signature flavor that makes these cookies so special.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, and then roll each ball in granulated sugar. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are cracked. For soft, chewy cookies, be careful not to overbake them. They should remain soft when removed from the oven.

Step 7: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool but will retain their soft texture.

Tips for Perfect Soft Molasses Cookies

• Use fresh molasses: Make sure your molasses is fresh to get the most flavorful cookies. If your molasses is too old, it may not have the depth of flavor you’re looking for.
• Don’t overbake: Molasses cookies are best when they’re soft and chewy. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges set to avoid a crispy texture.
• Add a little extra ginger or cinnamon: If you love spice, feel free to add a little more ground ginger or cinnamon to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love These Soft Molasses Cookies

• Chewy and Soft Texture: These cookies have a wonderfully soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Perfectly Spiced: The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves gives these cookies a perfect balance of warmth and spice.
• Great for Holidays: Molasses cookies are a holiday classic, making them perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any festive occasion.
• Simple Ingredients: With simple pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time.

Storing Soft Molasses Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; simply freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh whenever you’re ready for a warm cookie.

Final Thoughts

Soft molasses cookies are a nostalgic and delicious treat that brings comfort and warmth to any occasion. With their irresistible soft texture and bold spice flavors, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this easy recipe today, and enjoy the sweet, spiced aroma of homemade molasses cookies filling your home!

Serving and Storage Tips for Soft Molasses Cookies

Serving Tips:

1. Serve with Hot Beverages: Soft molasses cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. The rich, spiced flavors complement the warmth of these drinks, making for a cozy snack.
2. Plate Them Creatively: For a festive touch, arrange your cookies on a decorative plate or platter. Garnish with a few cinnamon sticks or a sprig of fresh mint to add a holiday feel when serving at gatherings.
3. Top with a Dusting of Sugar: After baking, you can roll the cookies in a little extra sugar for a sparkling finish. This will add a sweet crunch to the outer layer, enhancing both texture and appearance.
4. Pair with Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve these soft molasses cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The combination of warm, spiced cookies and cold, creamy ice cream is a heavenly treat.
5. Gift Them: Soft molasses cookies make a delightful homemade gift. Package them in decorative tins or cellophane bags, and tie them with a ribbon for a thoughtful present.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature: To keep your soft molasses cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and prevents them from drying out.
2. Freezing Dough: If you’d like to bake fresh cookies later, you can freeze the dough. Roll the dough into balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. Freezing Baked Cookies: For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.
4. Avoid Stale Cookies: If you’re storing multiple types of cookies, keep them in separate containers to prevent flavors from mixing. This ensures your molasses cookies retain their signature spice flavor without being affected by other cookies’ aromas.

With these serving and storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy soft molasses cookies fresh from the oven, days after baking, or even months later!

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the molasses cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll the dough into balls and bake as directed. Chilling the dough also helps the cookies retain their shape while baking.

2. How can I make these cookies spicier?
If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, you can increase the amount of cinnamon, ginger, or cloves in the recipe. Start by adding an extra 1/4 teaspoon of one of these spices, then adjust to taste. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of black pepper for a slight kick.

3. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar. Brown sugar will add a richer, slightly caramel flavor to the cookies. If you use brown sugar, the cookies may be a bit softer and chewier than with white sugar, but the result will still be delicious!

4. Why are my molasses cookies too hard?
If your molasses cookies turn out too hard, it’s likely that they were overbaked. Be sure to watch the cookies closely while baking, as they should just be set around the edges with cracks on top. If you overbake them, they may become crunchy instead of soft. Also, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking.

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