Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a truly melt-in-your-mouth treat, you’ve got to try this Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come out tender, chewy, and loaded with warm spices that feel like a cozy hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving something sweet and comforting, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic—and I’m excited to share all my tips to help you nail it perfectly every time!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe lies in the balance of spices and the choice of molasses, which gives the cookies that deep, rich flavor. I always recommend picking a full-flavor molasses for best results—your cookies will thank you.

• All-Purpose Flour: This gives your cookies structure without weighing them down, ensuring they’re tender yet sturdy.
• Ground Cloves: Just a pinch adds a warm, slightly sweet edge—you don’t want to overpower, so measuring carefully matters.
• Ground Ginger: Brings that classic molasses cookie zing that wakes up your taste buds.
• Baking Soda: Key for a good rise that keeps cookies light and fluffy instead of dense.
• Ground Cinnamon: The cozy backbone of the spice mix to make these irresistibly aromatic.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweetness and spices—never skip salt, even in cookies.
• Vegetable Oil: I love using oil for this recipe because it keeps the cookies softer and chewier compared to butter.
• Granulated Sugar: Both in the dough and for rolling gives a sweet crunch contrast on the outside.
• Full-Flavor Molasses: This is where the deep, rich flavor comes from; I use Brer Rabbit brand for consistency.
• Large Egg: At room temperature for better mixing and smoother dough texture.

Variations

I love making this Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe my own by switching things up depending on the season or mood. Feel free to get creative—you might just find a new family favorite twist!

• Spice it up More: When I want a bolder flavor, I add a dash of black pepper or a bit more ginger—this really wakes things up in a fun way.
• Vegan Swap: I’ve had success swapping the egg for flax egg and using coconut oil instead of vegetable oil—it’s a bit different but still soft and tasty.
• Orange Zest Addition: Adding a teaspoon of fresh orange zest brings a lovely brightness that complements the molasses beautifully.
• Chocolate Chip Surprise: Sneaking in some mini dark chocolate chips gives a decadent contrast I didn’t expect but totally adore.

How to Make Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Spices & Flour

Start by whisking your all-purpose flour with ground cloves, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This blending helps spread the cozy spice flavors evenly throughout each cookie. I usually set this aside and get my wet ingredients ready while it sits.

Step 2: Cream Oil and Sugar

Using a hand mixer or your stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the vegetable oil and granulated sugar together on medium-high until it looks creamy and well mixed. This step ensures your cookies get that tender, chewy texture I adore—it’s a key difference from using butter here.

Step 3: Add Molasses and Egg

Next, pour in the molasses and add the egg. Mix until everything is combined. I like using full-flavored molasses (like Brer Rabbit) because it gives deep, authentic flavor—but if you only have light molasses, that works too!

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Switch your mixer to a low speed and gradually add the dry flour-spice blend. Mix just until you no longer see dry flour—don’t overmix, or your cookies could turn out cakey instead of soft and chewy.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

This step is absolutely crucial, and I learned it the hard way! Cover your dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling makes the dough firm enough to scoop and roll without sticking, plus it intensifies the flavors. I sometimes chill overnight if I plan ahead—it really helps cookies keep their shape and texture during baking.

Step 6: Shape and Roll Cookies

When the dough’s chilled, preheat your oven to 375ºF and line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in extra granulated sugar for that lovely sparkly crunch, and place them about 2 inches apart on the sheet—these cookies do spread a bit.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll notice the cookies puff up when they come out of the oven but then flatten as they cool—that’s exactly what you want! Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. I promise, the wait is so worth it.

How to Serve Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little coarse sugar or even a touch of flaky sea salt on the cookies right after baking to highlight the sweetness and add a lovely texture contrast. Sometimes, I’ll dust with a pinch of powdered cinnamon for extra cozy vibes—my family goes crazy for that!

Side Dishes

These molasses cookies pair beautifully with a steaming mug of chai tea or your favorite hot coffee—perfect for afternoon breaks. I’ve also brought them to holiday gatherings alongside spiced cider or warm milk for the kids; they’re always a crowd-pleaser!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like arranging these cookies in a festive tin with wax paper and adding fresh rosemary sprigs for a rustic touch. Another fun idea I tried was sandwiching a dollop of cream cheese frosting between two cookies to make soft molasses cookie sandwiches—a total hit with friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and I’ve found these cookies stay wonderfully soft for up to a week. To keep them extra tender, I sometimes add a slice of bread inside the container—it helps maintain moisture without drying them out.

Freezing

These cookies freeze really well! I usually freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. When I want a treat, I just take out a few and thaw them at room temp for about an hour—still soft and delicious.

Reheating

To refresh that just-baked softness, I pop cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them for a few minutes in a 300ºF oven. This brings back that perfect chewiness and releases the amazing molasses aroma—trust me, it’s like they’re fresh from the oven all over again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so reliable and utterly delicious. Every time I bake a batch, the house fills with warm, inviting aromas that make everyone gather around the cookie jar. I genuinely hope you’ll enjoy making—and eating—these as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to tweak the spices to suit your taste, and remember, the real secret to success is that chill time! Give it a try and watch these soft molasses cookies become your new go-to sweet treat.

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