Bakery Style Molasses Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever yearned for that perfect, chewy, and warmly spiced cookie that brings comfort with every bite, you’re in for a treat. This Bakery Style Molasses Cookies Recipe captures the magic of classic bakery staples, boasting a rich molasses flavor balanced by aromatic spices and a tender yet chewy texture. These cookies sing with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, while their sugary exterior offers just the right hint of crunch. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a cozy afternoon, or just because, this recipe feels like a sweet hug straight from your favorite bakery.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: ingredients you likely have on hand that come together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role—from the warmth of the spices to the deep sweetness of molasses, to the buttery richness that makes these cookies irresistible.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Forms the sturdy base of the cookie ensuring the perfect chewiness.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances the sweetness, bringing out all the flavors.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Provides the necessary lift for a soft, tender crumb.
• Ground ginger (2 teaspoons): Adds a zingy, warm spice that brightens the molasses.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Delivers cozy, earthy notes typical of great molasses cookies.
• Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a hint of aromatic depth without overwhelming.
• Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): Creates richness and moisture for that bakery-quality tenderness.
• Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Contributes a caramel-like sweetness and chewy texture.
• Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds moisture for perfect cookie structure.
• Unsulfured molasses (1/4 cup): The star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature dark, robust flavor.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors, adding depth and sweetness.
• Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): For rolling the dough balls, lending a delightful sparkly crunch on the outside.

How to Make Bakery Style Molasses Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining all the dry ingredients in a medium bowl—flour, salt, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Sifting them together not only blends the spices evenly but also introduces air, resulting in a lighter cookie crumb.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process creates tiny air pockets, which contribute to the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies feel bakery fresh.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, beating until the batter is smooth and glossy. The molasses adds moisture and a deep, complex sweetness, while vanilla heightens and balances the spices beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually stir in the dry ingredients on low speed until everything forms a softly textured dough. Be careful not to overmix here to keep the cookies tender and avoid toughness.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial because it lets the flavors meld wonderfully and prevents the cookies from spreading too much when baked, ensuring that perfect chewy center and crackly edges.

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

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

Step 7: Shape and Sugar Coat

Form tablespoon-sized dough balls and roll each in granulated sugar to get that shimmering, sweet crust as they bake. Space them generously on the baking sheet so they have room to spread without merging.

Step 8: Bake Until Perfect

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies will look soft and slightly underdone in the center when you first remove them, but they’ll firm up beautifully as they cool. This gives you that ideal chewy texture right from the bakery.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them set and prevents breakage while moving them.

How to Serve Bakery Style Molasses Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For serving, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, mimicking the snow-dusted windows of cozy bakeries. You might also try a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate for a festive flair.

Side Dishes

Molasses cookies pair wonderfully with a warm beverage like chai tea, coffee, or a scrumptious glass of cold milk. The spices and sweetness of the cookie beautifully complement the creamy, comforting drinks for a delightful snack or dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few cookies tied with rustic twine as a charming gift, or present them on a festive platter surrounded by seasonal fruits like sliced pears or candied ginger to highlight their warm spice notes. For a fun twist, sandwich a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream between two cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your molasses cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for up to a week, making them the perfect make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a cookie sheet until firm, then transferring to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, keeping that bakery-style flavor and texture intact.

Reheating

For freshly baked warmth, simply microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. This revives the soft, chewy texture and enhances the luscious molasses aroma.

FAQs

Can I substitute the molasses with something else?

Molasses is the heart of this cookie’s flavor, giving it that signature richness. You can try honey or maple syrup as a substitute, but the flavor won’t be quite the same, and the texture may change. For the true bakery experience, molasses is essential.

Why do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?

Chilling the dough not only helps the flavors to develop fully but also keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This results in a thicker, chewier cookie with those beautiful crackled tops.

Can I make these cookies gluten free?

You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary because gluten provides structure and chewiness. Adding a binder like xanthan gum might help mimic that texture.

Are these cookies suitable for storing long term?

They taste best within a week when stored at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is a great option to maintain freshness and texture.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this Bakery Style Molasses Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips make excellent additions. Just fold them in after mixing the wet and dry ingredients for a personal twist on this classic recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring the magic of warm, chewy, and perfectly spiced cookies from the bakery straight into your kitchen, this Bakery Style Molasses Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. With straightforward ingredients and an easy process, you’ll have a batch of delicious homemade treasures that brighten any moment. Go ahead, bake a batch today, and share the delight!

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