Molasses cookies are a timeless treat, cherished for their warm, spicy flavor and soft, chewy texture. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, after-school snacks, or whenever you’re craving a cozy, old-fashioned dessert. The combination of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates a cookie that’s rich in flavor and irresistibly soft on the inside with a slightly crisp edge.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps of making Molasses Cookies from scratch. Plus, we’ll provide some fun variations and answer common questions to help you bake the perfect batch every time.

Ingredients for Molasses Cookies

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions for Making Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat ¾ cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Molasses and Egg: Beat in ¼ cup molasses and 1 large egg until well combined.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, and ½ teaspoon ground cloves.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cookie.

Step 3: Shape and Roll the Cookies

1. Form the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form the dough into 1-inch balls.
2. Roll in Sugar: Roll each dough ball in a shallow bowl of granulated sugar to coat the outside. This will give the cookies a nice sparkle and a slightly crispy exterior.
3. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one to allow for spreading.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so be sure not to overbake them.
2. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Notes

• Soft Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Room temperature butter ensures that the cookies will have the right texture and spread properly during baking.
• Chill the Dough: If you find your dough too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will make it easier to handle.
• Storing: Store your molasses cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Variations of Molasses Cookies

Chewy Molasses Cookies

For a softer, chewier texture, try slightly underbaking the cookies. Bake them for 8 minutes, and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This creates a gooey center while keeping the outer edges slightly crispy.

Crispy Molasses Cookies

If you prefer crispy molasses cookies, bake them a little longer, around 10-12 minutes. This will give the edges more crunch, while still maintaining a chewy center.

Spiced Molasses Cookies

For an extra kick, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the spice mix. This will enhance the flavors and give the cookies a deeper, more complex taste.

Iced Molasses Cookies

To make these cookies extra festive, drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or water. Add a bit of vanilla extract or lemon juice to the glaze for added flavor.

Low-Sugar Molasses Cookies

For a lower-sugar version, reduce the amount of sugar to ¾ cup in the dough and skip rolling the cookies in sugar before baking. You can also substitute part of the sugar with a natural sweetener like monk fruit sweetener or stevia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Molasses cookie dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and roll the dough into balls, and bake as directed. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. To freeze, form the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

2. Why did my cookies turn out flat?

There are a few reasons why cookies might turn out flat. First, make sure your butter is not too soft or melted when you start mixing. Also, overmixing the dough can cause cookies to spread too much in the oven. Finally, using too little flour can lead to flat cookies, so double-check your measurements.

3. Can I substitute the molasses?

Molasses gives these cookies their signature flavor and texture, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or honey. However, keep in mind that these substitutions will alter the flavor slightly.

4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, though the texture will be denser and the flavor more robust. For best results, use a mix of 1 cup whole wheat flour and 1 cup all-purpose flour for a balanced texture.

5. How can I make gluten-free molasses cookies?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum or add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum to help the cookies maintain their structure.

6. Can I add mix-ins to the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit like raisins or cranberries to the dough for added texture and flavor. Add about 1 cup of your favorite mix-ins to the dough after combining the wet and dry ingredients.

Molasses Cookies are the ultimate comfort dessert, with their warm spices and soft, chewy texture. Whether you enjoy them plain, drizzled with icing, or packed with chocolate chips, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. They’re perfect for holiday baking, gift-giving, or just indulging in a delicious homemade treat.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a batch of fresh molasses cookies in no time. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk for the perfect snack!