If you’re craving a treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, then you’ve got to try this Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe. These cookies are your perfect companion for chilly afternoons or late-night sweet cravings, flaunting just the right balance of spice, sweetness, and that irresistible chewy softness. Each bite offers a fragrant burst of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, wrapped up in a tender dough that hardly ever lasts long on any plate. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, for friends, or just as a personal indulgence, these molasses cookies will sweep you away with their cozy charm and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy in baking, and for this recipe, you’re working with simple, classic pantry staples. Each element plays its part to build the rich flavor, soft texture, and inviting color that make these cookies so special.
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and the ideal crumb.
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger: Adds a spicy warmth that defines the cookie’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers a sweet, woody scent that pairs beautifully with molasses.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Brings a deep, aromatic note that elevates the spice blend.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds subtle nuttiness and depth to the spice profile.
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates that soft, airy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Gives deep caramel sweetness and keeps the cookies moist.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds to the cookie’s chewy character.
- ¼ cup unsulfured molasses: The star ingredient that delivers bold flavor and color.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a comforting sweetness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Adds a crunchy, sparkling finish on the cookie’s surface.
How to Make Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prep not only ensures the cookies bake evenly but also makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients — flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Getting these evenly combined ensures every cookie bursts with balanced spice in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and deliciously creamy, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This step introduces air that helps make the cookies extra soft.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then stir in the molasses and vanilla extract. The molasses will deepen the dough’s color and flavor, giving each cookie that signature molasses richness.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing gently and just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so be gentle and patient.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar the Dough
Scoop dough in 1 to 1½ tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to create a delightful crispy outer layer. Space them 2 inches apart on your baking sheets to prevent sticking as they bake.
Step 7: Bake
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re puffed, cracked, and just set. Resist the urge to overbake; underbaking slightly helps keep them wonderfully tender and soft. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
How to Serve Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar gently sprinkled on top brings a festive look, but for a cozy twist, consider dipping one half in melted dark chocolate or rolling edges in chopped nuts for a delightful texture contrast. These little touches can turn your cookies into show-stoppers.
Side Dishes
Pair these molasses cookies with a hot cup of chai tea or a robust coffee, and you’ve got yourself a perfect breaktime indulgence. They also complement silky vanilla ice cream beautifully, especially as a dessert bite after a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Super Soft Molasses Cookies on a rustic wooden platter alongside sprigs of fresh rosemary or cinnamon sticks to highlight their warm spices. Wrapped in colorful parchment with a ribbon, they make heartfelt homemade gifts for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread. The bread helps maintain moisture and keeps the cookies soft for several days, preserving that dreamy texture we all love.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to a zip-top freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again as if freshly baked.
Reheating
To refresh slightly stale cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes; this gently revives their softness and aroma. Avoid microwaving as it can make them tough or rubbery.
FAQs
Can I substitute the molasses with something else?
Molasses provides a unique flavor and moisture that can’t quite be replicated. However, if you don’t have molasses, dark corn syrup or a mix of honey and brown sugar can be used in a pinch, though the flavor will be less robust.
How do I keep my cookies soft and not crisp?
The key is to slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the baking sheet. Also, storing with a slice of bread in an airtight container helps retain moisture and softness longer.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain texture.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too thin, your butter might be too soft or the dough could be too warm. Chill the dough briefly before baking to help them keep their shape.
How long do Super Soft Molasses Cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about baking and sharing a batch of these Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe. Their warm spices and soft, chewy texture always bring smiles and warm memories to the table. Next time you want a sweet treat that makes you feel right at home, you know exactly what to bake. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Super Soft Molasses Cookies are a delightful treat featuring warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves combined with rich molasses for a chewy, flavorful bite. Perfectly soft and lightly cracked on top, they make an ideal dessert for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a cozy, spiced cookie.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together with a mixer for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then mix in the molasses and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and uniform in color.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain cookie softness.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1 to 1½ tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to create a slightly crunchy coating, then place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed, cracked on top, and just set. Be careful not to overbake to preserve their soft texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra soft cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to finish setting on the baking tray as they cool.
- Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help maintain softness for several days.
