When it comes to holiday baking, few things can top the warm, spiced aroma of Soft Molasses Cookies fresh from the oven. With their chewy texture, rich molasses flavor, and just the right hint of spice, these cookies feel like a warm hug on a cold winter day. They’re exactly what you want to pair with a steaming cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate as you curl up by the fire.
Here’s a fun tidbit: molasses cookies have been a staple in holiday baking for decades thanks to their comforting flavors and long shelf life. They hold a special nostalgia for many of us who grew up sneaking a cookie (or three!) off the cooling rack before they were even fully set.
Why should you try this recipe? It’s incredibly easy, using pantry ingredients, and ready in under 30 minutes—including bake time! These cookies are also foolproof, which makes them perfect for baking with kids. If you’ve enjoyed my Gingerbread Spice Cookies recipe before, this is its softer, chewier cousin with deeper molasses notes—and you’re going to love it.
Get your mixing bowls ready and let the holiday spirit fill your kitchen. These cookies are about to become a new classic in your home!
Table of Contents
What Are Soft Molasses Cookies?
So, what exactly makes a cookie a Soft Molasses Cookie? Let me paint you a picture. Imagine a cookie that’s perfectly spiced, warmly sweet, and delightfully chewy. It’s soft enough to bend in your hand but sturdy enough to hold, with a subtle sugary crust crackling with each bite. Sounds dreamy, right?
Here’s a fun story: molasses cookies evolved from old-fashioned gingerbread recipes, but with way more molasses to make them softer and chewier. And, as the saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” so whether you’re baking for loved ones or simply yourself, these cookies will surely hit the sweet spot.
Let’s admit it, the real question isn’t what molasses cookies are—but why aren’t you eating them yet? Luckily, you can whip up a batch in no time. Get ready for some holiday baking magic!
Why You’ll Love These Soft Molasses Cookies
1. Perfect Chewy and Spicy Comfort
The real highlight of these cookies is their texture and flavor! They’re soft and deliciously chewy, with balanced notes of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The molasses adds a deep, caramel-like richness that’s hard to resist. One bite in, and you’ll be transported straight to holiday heaven.
2. Cheaper (and Better) Than Store-Bought
Skip the prepackaged cookies! When you make these at home, they’re fresher, more flavorful, and far more budget-friendly. You only need pantry staples like flour, sugar, spices, and molasses—there’s no need to hunt for expensive ingredients. Plus, the recipe yields a large batch, making this perfect for gift-giving or feeding a crowd.
3. Delicious with Customizable Extras
While these cookies are a delight on their own, you can easily elevate them. Roll the dough balls in coarse sugar for extra crunch, drizzle them with white chocolate, or even sandwich two cookies together with cream cheese frosting. The possibilities are endless!
If you’re a fan of warm, cozy cookie recipes like my Snickerdoodles, then you’ll absolutely love how these molasses cookies bring those spiced, comforting vibes to the table. Ready to start baking? Let’s dive in!
How to Make Soft Molasses Cookies
Quick Overview
These cookies are soft, spiced, and irresistibly chewy—and they’re so simple to make. All you need is 15 minutes of prep time and a short bake time to fill your home with the incredible aroma of molasses and spices. No special equipment or advanced techniques required—perfect for beginners and pros alike!
Key Ingredients for Soft Molasses Cookies
To make these cookies, here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
(Optional Image Tip: Display all the ingredients in bowls with a rustic, holiday setup.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. - Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). - Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and molasses until fully incorporated. - Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix! - Shape the Dough
Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat. - Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cookies are puffy and cracked on top. Do not overbake—they should still look slightly underdone to stay soft. - Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What to Serve Soft Molasses Cookies With
Pair these delightful cookies with:
- Hot Beverages: A cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa is perfect for dunking.
- Ice Cream: Sandwich vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a dreamy dessert.
- Holiday Drinks: Serve alongside mulled cider or eggnog for festive flair.
These cookies are versatile—they’re great for snacking, holiday parties, or gifting to friends and family!
Top Tips for Perfecting Soft Molasses Cookies
- Use Dark Brown Sugar
It enhances the deep molasses flavor and adds extra chewiness. - Chill the Dough (Optional)
If your dough feels sticky, chill it for 30 minutes to make rolling easier. - Don’t Overbake
To keep the cookies soft, pull them out of the oven while they’re still slightly under-baked; they’ll continue to set as they cool. - Customize the Spice Level
Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice if you want a more robust flavor profile.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: For a warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat cookies in the microwave for 5–7 seconds.
Final Thoughts
These Soft Molasses Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. They’re warm, spiced, and perfectly chewy—basically everything you want in a nostalgic cookie. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just your own cookie jar (no judgment!), this recipe is here to spread holiday cheer.
So, grab your apron and let the sweet smell of spiced molasses fill your kitchen. Don’t forget to drop a comment below and share how your cookies turned out. Happy baking and happy holidays! 🍪✨
FAQs About Soft Molasses Cookies
When it comes to holiday baking, Soft Molasses Cookies are a must-have treat! If you’re planning to make these chewy, spiced cookies, here are some frequently asked questions to help you perfect your recipe.
1. What Makes Molasses Cookies Soft and Chewy?
Soft molasses cookies get their chewy texture from the combination of molasses and dark brown sugar. Both ingredients retain moisture, which keeps the cookies soft even after they’ve cooled. Additionally, baking them for a shorter time (just until they’re slightly underbaked) ensures that they stay extra chewy while avoiding a dry, crunchy texture
2. Can I Use Blackstrap Molasses Instead of Regular Molasses?
While blackstrap molasses can be used, it has a much stronger, more robust flavor and is less sweet than regular molasses. If you use blackstrap molasses, the cookies will have a slightly bitter aftertaste. For the classic sweet and spiced flavor, it’s best to use a light or medium unsulfured molasses, which is milder and sweeter.
3. Do I Have to Chill the Dough Before Baking?
Not necessarily, but chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can make it easier to handle and shape, especially if it’s sticky. Chilling the dough also helps the cookies bake evenly without spreading too much, which is great if you want perfectly round cookies with beautiful cracked tops.
4. Can I Add Extra Mix-Ins to the Recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize your soft molasses cookies with mix-ins. Popular choices include white chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. For a festive holiday twist, try adding a drizzle of white icing, orange zest, or even a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for extra sweetness and texture.
5. How Do I Store Soft Molasses Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 5–7 days. To maintain their moisture, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. If you want to freeze them, store baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
6. What Can I Serve Soft Molasses Cookies With?
Soft molasses cookies pair perfectly with hot drinks like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also taste amazing when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or you can sandwich frosting or cream cheese between two cookies for a decadent dessert. For a festive spread, serve them alongside other classic holiday treats like gingerbread men or sugar cookies.
Now that you’ve got all the answers to your molasses cookie questions, it’s time to grab your mixing bowl and bake a batch of these irresistible holiday favorites! 🍪✨