If you’re craving a cookie that perfectly balances sweet spice and rich depth, then this Molasses Cookies Recipe is absolutely going to steal your heart. These molasses cookies boast a chewy, tender texture with that warm, aromatic blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves that instantly evokes cozy memories of the holidays or crisp autumn afternoons. Best of all, they’re not complicated to make, yet every bite feels indulgent and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a charming cookie to share with friends, this Molasses Cookies Recipe is a must-try that will quickly become a treasured classic in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Molasses Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the vegetable shortening that gives these cookies their tender crumb, to the fragrant spices that infuse each bite with warmth, and of course, the trusty molasses that lends that signature richness and depth.
- Vegetable shortening: Melted, it keeps cookies soft and chewy with a light texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crunch, especially when rolling the dough balls in extra sugar.
- Unsulphured molasses: The star ingredient, providing deep, robust flavor and moisture.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the cookie’s structure and softness.
- All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together with a tender bite.
- Baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise just enough for a soft center and slightly crispy edges.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the spices.
- Ground cloves: Adds a warm, slightly smoky spice note.
- Ground ginger: Brings a zesty warmth that brightens the flavor profile.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers a comforting, sweet-spicy aroma and taste.
How to Make Molasses Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet without any sticking worries, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the melted vegetable shortening, granulated sugar, and molasses for about three minutes using a hand mixer. This step helps blend the flavors beautifully and creates a creamy base that will hold all the goodness.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs
Add the slightly beaten eggs to the molasses mixture and beat until fully combined, roughly two minutes. This adds moisture and structure to the dough, making the cookies tender and soft.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cloves, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry mix into the wet mixture and beat until thoroughly blended. This creates a luscious cookie dough that’s ready to be shaped and baked.
Step 6: Let the Dough Rest
Allow the dough to stand for 5 to 10 minutes. This brief rest lets the flour hydrate and the flavors meld, resulting in a better texture and even more pronounced spice notes in your Molasses Cookies Recipe.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into balls. For a classic touch, roll these balls in extra granulated sugar before placing them on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 3 inches apart. The sugar coating adds a subtle crunch and shimmer, but feel free to skip this if you prefer them plain.
Step 8: Bake Them to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 11 minutes, until the edges are firm but the centers still look slightly soft. This balance of textures is what gives these molasses cookies their delightful chewy-chewy bite.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before indulging. Cooling allows the flavors to settle and the cookies to finish setting perfectly.
How to Serve Molasses Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are delightful on their own, but adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate can elevate their festive appeal. For a cozy touch, serve alongside a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts.
Side Dishes
Molasses cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, rich coffee, or creamy hot chocolate. Their warming spices complement warm beverages beautifully, making them a perfect afternoon treat or after-dinner indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try sandwiching the cookies with a layer of cream cheese frosting or honey buttercream. Alternatively, serve them alongside a bowl of spiced pear compote or apple butter for a lovely seasonal spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your molasses cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain their soft texture by locking in moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They maintain their best quality for up to three months, making your favorite Molasses Cookies Recipe a perfect make-ahead treat.
Reheating
To enjoy thawed cookies fresh, warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. This quick refresh revives the soft, chewy texture that makes these cookies so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter for vegetable shortening in this Molasses Cookies Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute butter, but keep in mind that using butter may result in a slightly different texture and flavor—your cookies will be a bit softer and have a richer taste. Shortening tends to produce a chewier, tender cookie.
Why do the cookies need to rest before baking?
Allowing the dough to rest for 5 to 10 minutes helps hydrate the flour and lets the spices meld evenly throughout the dough. It also helps the dough firm up slightly, making it easier to roll and shaping better cookies.
Can I make this Molasses Cookies Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the cookie’s chewy texture.
What if I don’t have unsulphured molasses?
Unsulphured molasses is preferred for its milder flavor, but you can use regular molasses if that’s what you have on hand—just be aware that it may impart a stronger, slightly more bitter taste to the cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for cookies that are firm around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. They will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake if you want that tender, chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Molasses Cookies Recipe is truly a treasure for anyone who loves cozy, flavorful treats that bring comfort and joy with every bite. Once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it year-round, whether it’s to warm up chilly evenings or to share special moments with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own classic cookie delight!
Print
Molasses Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Molasses Cookies are delightfully soft and chewy with a perfect blend of warm spices and rich molasses flavor. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they bake quickly into treats that are crispy around the edges and tender in the center—ideal for cozy gatherings or holiday treats.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1½ cups vegetable shortening (276g, melted, about 1½ sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400g, plus more for rolling)
- ¼ cup unsulphured molasses (85g)
- 2 large eggs (100g, slightly beaten)
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (480g)
- 4 tsp baking soda (24g)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (3g)
- 1 tsp ground cloves (3g)
- 1 tsp ground ginger (3g)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (6g)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the melted vegetable shortening, granulated sugar, and molasses together for 3 minutes until well combined and creamy.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the slightly beaten eggs until the mixture is smooth and fully blended, about 2 minutes.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cloves, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Beat until the dough is thoroughly mixed and uniform in texture.
- Rest the Dough: Let the cookie dough rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to allow the flour to fully hydrate and the dough to firm up slightly, which helps with shaping.
- Form Cookies: Roll the dough into balls. Optionally, roll these balls in granulated sugar for a sparkling, sweet crust, though this step can be omitted based on preference.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 3 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes, until the edges are firm but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Cool: Transfer the baked cookies to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely to allow the texture to set before serving.
Notes
- Rolling cookies in sugar before baking is optional, depending on whether you prefer a crisp sugary exterior.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be slightly soft when removed from the oven to maintain chewiness.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container at room temperature will keep them fresh for up to one week.
- The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking to intensify flavor.
