If you’re seeking a comforting treat that wraps you up in old-fashioned flavor with every bite, these Soft Molasses Cookies are just the answer. Their addictively chewy centers, sparkling sugar-crusted tops, and gentle hints of spice deliver those classic bakery aromas that feel like a warm hug. This is the recipe you reach for when cold weather hits, the holidays roll around, or you simply need a sweet snack with a cup of tea. Whether you’re new to baking or an old pro, these Soft Molasses Cookies will quickly become a fixture in your kitchen—and your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Classic, pantry-friendly ingredients are at the heart of these cookies, and each one plays its part beautifully in creating texture, moistness, or a layer of flavor. Don’t skip or skimp—here’s why every single item matters!
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy backbone of the cookie, giving just enough structure to keep things tender but not cakey.
- Ground Ginger: For a touch of gentle heat and that signature molasses-cookie zing.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies puff slightly and become soft rather than dense.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth that balances the sweetness and deep spices.
- Ground Cloves: Just a hint goes a long way—cloves add a fragrant, nostalgic note.
- Salt: Essential for intensifying every other flavor in the recipe—never skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and ensures those irresistibly soft centers.
- Granulated Sugar (plus extra for rolling): For sweetness, sure, but also for that satisfying cookie sparkle and slight crunch on top.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together and gives the cookies their plush bite.
- Molasses: The star of the show—molasses gives deep flavor and that old-fashioned softness you crave.
- Vanilla Extract: For subtle complexity and a lovely finish that makes every bite round and complete.
How to Make Soft Molasses Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. This not only ensures an even distribution of all that spice and leavening, but also means your dough will come together more smoothly later on—no clumps, just cookie magic.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This step is what makes Soft Molasses Cookies so light and irresistible. It’s worth spending a few minutes here—the more air you whip in, the softer your cookies will be.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until everything is blended thoroughly. The molasses will give your dough that unmistakable depth and silky brown color, and your kitchen will begin to smell like the holidays!
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the butter-molasses mixture, blending gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; you want a soft dough that holds together but isn’t tough—this is crucial for that signature Soft Molasses Cookie chew.
Step 5: Shape, Roll, and Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, then coat each generously in extra granulated sugar. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing the balls at least 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes—the edges should be set, but the centers will look slightly underbaked. This is your secret to truly soft and chewy cookies!
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the Soft Molasses Cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief rest helps them firm up just enough, without losing their signature softness. Now’s the time to pour yourself something cozy and dig in!
How to Serve Soft Molasses Cookies
Garnishes
For a special finishing touch, sprinkle still-warm cookies with a pinch of cinnamon sugar or drizzle lightly with a vanilla glaze. Craving extra indulgence? A dollop of whipped cream or a quick dip in melted white chocolate turns these cookies into an elegant dessert for gatherings.
Side Dishes
Soft Molasses Cookies are perfect with a cold glass of milk, a mug of spiced tea, or strong black coffee. For afternoon tea, serve them alongside a platter of fruit slices or cheese for a beautiful sweet-and-savory contrast that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies with parchment squares and tie with rustic twine for homemade gift bundles, or use as the base for festive holiday ice cream sandwiches. Arrange on a platter with candied ginger or dried fruit for a striking cookie spread at your next get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the cookies have cooled completely, pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay delightfully soft at room temperature for up to a week, making them a wonderful bake-ahead option for holiday cookie trays or snack jars.
Freezing
For longer storage—or to plan ahead for cookie emergencies—freeze dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from frozen by adding an extra minute or two, or freeze baked cookies and thaw at room temperature as needed.
Reheating
Want to bring back that fresh-baked warmth? Pop a Soft Molasses Cookie into the microwave for 8–10 seconds, just until slightly warm and reinvigorated. You’ll rediscover that bakery-fresh aroma and irresistible softness all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute dark molasses for light molasses?
Absolutely! Dark molasses will give your Soft Molasses Cookies a richer, more pronounced flavor, while light molasses makes for a milder cookie. Avoid blackstrap molasses, as it’s very bitter.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This usually means your butter was too soft or the dough became too warm. Try chilling the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking, or ensure your butter is just softened—not melted—for perfect results.
Can I make these Soft Molasses Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still get that wonderful spice and chew.
How do I get perfectly round, bakery-style cookies?
After baking, gently use the back of a spoon or a round cookie cutter to nudge the cookies into a neater shape while they’re still hot and soft. They’ll firm up as they cool and look like they came from a professional bakery!
Is there a way to make these cookies extra spicy?
If you’re a spice lover, increase the ginger and cinnamon by an extra 1/2 teaspoon each, or even add a pinch of black pepper for subtle heat. Your Soft Molasses Cookies will have a bolder, more festive punch.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the anticipation of warm, Soft Molasses Cookies filling your kitchen with their sweet, spicy aroma. Give this recipe a whirl, and you’ll quickly see why these cookies are celebrated generation after generation. Whether you’re baking a batch for your family or sharing with friends, a plate of these treats will always bring smiles. Don’t forget to keep a few for yourself—they’re simply too good to resist!
Print
Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Molasses Cookies are a classic holiday treat that are chewy, spiced, and perfect for any festive occasion. They are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, coat in sugar, and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the ginger or cinnamon slightly.
- Cookies stay soft for several days in an airtight container.
- Freeze dough balls for future baking, add an extra minute to bake time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
