If you’re craving a warm, chewy treat with a perfect blend of spice and sweetness, look no further than this Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring a nostalgic, cozy feeling with every bite, offering a wonderful balance of deep molasses flavor and soft, tender texture. Whether for holiday gatherings or a comforting snack any time of year, these Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite for sharing and savoring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to achieving that perfect softness and spice combo in our Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe. Each component plays an important role, from the spices that awaken your senses to the butter that ensures a tender crumb.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure without weighing down the cookies, keeping them soft and tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough, creating a light, chewy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a classic spice note that complements the molasses perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a zesty kick that brightens the flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way to deepen the flavor complexity and seasonality.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the cozy spices.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and that melt-in-your-mouth softness you’re craving.
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided: Sweetens the dough and gives a slight crunch when rolled on top.
- 1 large egg: Adds moisture and helps bind everything together for perfect softness.
- 1/4 cup molasses: The star of the show, giving the cookies their signature deep flavor and chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the spices with subtle vanilla warmth.
- 1/4 cup additional granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a lovely sparkling outside crust that contrasts with the soft interior.
How to Make Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly, setting the stage for perfection.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt. This blend of spices and leavening agents will give your cookies their distinctive flavor and rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it aerates the dough, contributing to those tender pockets of softness.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and beautifully combined. The molasses not only infuses moisture but also gives the dough its rich, dark color.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing here, as that can make your cookies tough instead of soft and tender.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat
Using a tablespoon scoop, portion out cookie dough balls, then roll each in the additional 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. This extra sugar creates a gorgeous, slightly crisp outer layer that contrasts wonderfully with the soft inside.
Step 7: Arrange and Bake
Place your dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading. Bake for 8-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to pull them out once the edges are set but the centers still look soft and slightly underbaked.
Step 8: Cool for Softness
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief cooling lets them firm up just enough while maintaining a tender center.
How to Serve Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra festive charm, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar over your Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe right before serving. A small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can make them feel even more special.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of chai, black tea, or a glass of cold milk. The spicy sweetness enhances the comforting beverages and makes for a delightful afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies with a layer of cream cheese frosting or a smear of salted caramel between two to create an indulgent cookie sandwich. They also look charming arranged in a jar or basket lined with festive tissue paper if you’re gifting them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To maintain the perfect soft texture, store your leftover Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh for up to 5 days, preserving that lovely chewiness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will last up to 3 months and can be thawed at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To revive that freshly-baked softness, warm your cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This breathes life back into the texture and warms the spices beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use dark molasses instead of regular molasses?
Absolutely! Dark molasses will give your Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe a richer, more robust flavor and deeper color, which many people love. Just be aware it might slightly intensify the bitterness.
Why are my molasses cookies too hard?
Hard cookies often result from overbaking or using too much flour. Be sure to bake just until the edges are set and the centers look soft. Also, measuring flour carefully by spooning it into the cup rather than scooping helps prevent excess flour.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is best for flavor and texture in this recipe, but margarine can work as a substitute. Oil tends to make cookies cakier and less structured, so it’s not recommended for the ideal Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe.
How do I make the cookies chewier?
Using molasses as directed and avoiding overbaking are key. Also, slightly underbaking the cookies keeps centers soft and chewy. Adding a teaspoon of cornstarch can help increase softness if you want to experiment.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make the Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). The texture might differ slightly but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
Making this Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe is like inviting warmth and flavor into your kitchen. From the first bite to the last crumb, these cookies offer pure comfort and joy. I encourage you to try this recipe and savor the magic of soft, spiced molasses cookies that everyone will adore. Happy baking!
