Name: Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup molasses; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

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If you’re searching for the ultimate chewy treat to welcome fall or simply bring a bit of old-fashioned comfort into your kitchen year-round, Soft Molasses Cookies are here to answer the call. Their tender, pillowy texture and deep, spiced molasses flavor somehow manage to turn any dreary afternoon into a cozy celebration. With just the right balance of warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia, these cookies are easy to whip together, making them a go-to for bake sales, gifting, or midnight snacks. Trust me, you’ll find yourself reaching for the recipe again and again!

Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Soft Molasses Cookies recipe plays a crucial role, from achieving that signature softness to layering every bite with aromatic spice. The best part? You probably have most of these pantry staples on hand, and together they create pure magic you can taste.

Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): Brings a rich, creamy base and helps the cookies stay melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds both sweetness and a subtle caramel note, making the cookies tender and chewy.
Egg (1 large): Binds everything together and adds just the right structure for pillowy cookies.
Molasses (1/4 cup): The heart of these cookies, giving them their characteristic flavor and that deep, dark color.
All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Gives the cookies enough body without weighing them down.
Baking soda (2 teaspoons): Gives lift and ensures a perfectly puffy finish.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and spice, making the flavors pop.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, gentle warmth that pairs perfectly with molasses.
Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a bold, nostalgic spice that brings depth.
Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle, tingly heat that enhances the overall flavor.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup, for rolling): Creates that irresistible, sparkling exterior and a faint crunch with every bite.

How to Make Soft Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), the perfect temperature for coaxing out golden edges while keeping the middles wonderfully soft. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to guarantee easy release and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or sturdy spatula to cream the softened butter with the packed brown sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air, making your Soft Molasses Cookies delightfully light.

Step 3: Add Egg and Molasses

Crack in the egg and pour in the molasses. Beat until everything is smooth and deeply caramel in color—this duo enriches the dough and infuses it with that classic molasses taste.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed, so every bite of your cookies sings with flavor.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-molasses mixture, stirring just until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix; this is the secret to extra-soft cookies.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Dough

Scoop out pieces of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Gently toss each ball in the granulated sugar, coating all sides. This step gives Soft Molasses Cookies their signature crackly, sweet shell.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes. Look for set edges with soft centers—don’t overbake! Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve Soft Molasses Cookies

Garnishes

For a festive finish, dust your freshly cooled Soft Molasses Cookies with a little powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze. A few curls of orange zest or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also add a fun twist and balance the deep molasses flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with creamy desserts like vanilla ice cream or a steamy mug of spiced chai. For a classic touch, serve them alongside cold milk—there’s truly nothing better for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking and wrapping the cookies in parchment for a homemade gift, or serve them as part of a holiday cookie platter. For a playful twist, sandwich your favorite ice cream between two Soft Molasses Cookies for a dreamy homemade ice cream sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Soft Molasses Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll retain their softness for several days, making them ideal for after-school snacks or sneaky midnight treats.

Freezing

If you’d like to make a big batch in advance, these cookies freeze well! Place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep perfectly for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To bring frozen or day-old Soft Molasses Cookies back to life, pop them in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes, or microwave briefly until just warm. That freshly baked smell and classic softness will return in no time!

FAQs

Can I substitute blackstrap molasses for regular molasses?

Blackstrap molasses is much stronger and less sweet than regular, so it’s not recommended for Soft Molasses Cookies unless you really love bold, bittersweet flavors. Regular unsulphured molasses is best for a classic, balanced taste.

How do I make the cookies even softer?

The secret is to slightly underbake the cookies! Take them out when the centers are still a bit puffy and let them finish setting on the baking sheet for the softest texture imaginable.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dough and chill it overnight, or even freeze the rolled dough balls and bake straight from the freezer (just add a minute or two to the bake time).

Are Soft Molasses Cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses traditional all-purpose flour, but you can swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend with good results. The texture will stay chewy and delicious!

What’s the best way to store Soft Molasses Cookies to keep them fresh?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to lock in moisture. Slip a slice of bread or a marshmallow into the container—odd as it sounds, it works wonders to maintain their signature softness.

Final Thoughts

If you love baking that brings smiles to everyone’s face, these Soft Molasses Cookies are destined to become a cherished favorite in your repertoire. There’s something magical about their comforting aroma and perfectly chewy bite. Give them a try and let a little homemade happiness fill your kitchen!

Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft Molasses Cookies are a classic holiday treat that are chewy, flavorful, and perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights in. With a perfect balance of spices and a soft, slightly crisp texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

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

Wet Ingredients:

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg and molasses: Beat in the egg and molasses until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
Form and bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, coat each ball in granulated sugar, place on the baking sheet, and bake for 8–10 minutes until set.
Cool and serve: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.