Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy cookie, look no further than Soft Molasses Cookies. These old-fashioned gems are impossibly chewy, warmly spiced, and coated in sweet sparkling sugar—a guaranteed hit during the holidays, or any time you just need a little nostalgic comfort. With their deep, rich flavor and irresistibly tender centers, Soft Molasses Cookies have truly earned their place in the cookie hall of fame. Let me show you how easy and rewarding it is to make a batch of these at home—you may never go back to store-bought!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring Soft Molasses Cookies to life. Every ingredient has a purpose, whether it’s building that signature soft texture, giving the cookies their golden hue, or layering in tantalizing spice. Trust me, simple pantry staples never tasted so magical.

• Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): The foundation for rich flavor and that chewy, melt-in-your-mouth bite—be sure it’s fully softened for easier creaming.
• Packed brown sugar (1 cup): This gives the cookies a caramel depth and locks in moisture, so every bite stays blissfully soft.
• Unsulfured molasses (1/4 cup): The star of Soft Molasses Cookies—molasses brings in deep, old-fashioned sweetness and that lovely dark color.
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds just the right amount of tenderness.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Just enough to provide structure without making the cookies cakey.
• Baking soda (2 teaspoons): Ensures your cookies have the lift they need and those crackled tops we all love.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Heightens the spice and sweetness—don’t skip it!
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Warms up the flavor in every bite.
• Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): For a subtle zing and gentle heat.
• Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Intensifies the spiced aroma and rounds out the flavor profile.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup, for rolling): That finishing touch—gives each cookie a lightly crisp, sugary exterior.

How to Make Soft Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This isn’t just to prevent sticking—the parchment also helps the cookies bake more evenly and keeps those precious soft centers intact.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step creates air pockets (and a little love), guaranteeing your Soft Molasses Cookies bake up tempting and tender.

Step 3: Add Molasses and Egg

Once your base is whipped up, beat in the unsulfured molasses and the egg. Watch the color deepen and inhale that unmistakable molasses aroma—this is where the magic starts!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Combining the dry ingredients ahead of time means your spices are perfectly distributed, so every bite delivers that classic Soft Molasses Cookie flavor.

Step 5: Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet mixture, stirring just until everything is blended and a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing—just mix until no flour streaks remain—which ensures your cookies bake up beautifully soft and chewy.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar Coat

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls using your hands. Next, roll each dough ball in the 1/4 cup granulated sugar so every surface is coated. This is what gives Soft Molasses Cookies their irresistible crackle and sweet aroma as they bake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your sugared dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes—just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Don’t overbake! The secret to melt-in-your-mouth Soft Molasses Cookies is letting them finish setting on the sheet after baking.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then use a spatula to transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up just enough as they cool, staying perfectly soft inside. Now, pour yourself some milk or tea, and savor the chewy perfection!

How to Serve Soft Molasses Cookies

Garnishes

Although Soft Molasses Cookies are shining stars all on their own, a simple garnish can take them up a notch! Try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch, or drizzle them with a thin vanilla or citrus glaze if you’re feeling fancy. Even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking can bring out the flavors for a sweet-and-salty twist.

Side Dishes

There’s something so comforting about pairing these cookies with a creamy beverage. Hot cocoa, chai latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream are all decadent sidekicks. They also pair beautifully with a cheese plate or some crisp apple slices for a standout dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

You can make your Soft Molasses Cookies the star at any holiday party by stacking them high on a rustic wooden board, slipping them into pretty cellophane bags for gifts, or sandwiching a slather of cream cheese frosting between two cookies. Their charming, crackly tops look gorgeous piled high on a vintage cake stand, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Soft Molasses Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay wonderfully chewy and fresh for up to five days. If your kitchen is especially humid, a slice of bread tucked into the container can help keep the cookies soft by absorbing extra moisture.

Freezing

These cookies are perfect for freezing—just let them cool, then stack in a zip-top bag or airtight container with parchment layers in between. You can freeze baked cookies for up to three months, or freeze the rolled dough balls (unbaked) for quick, fresh-baked treats on demand!

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies warm, simply pop a few in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The heat revives their softness and brings out all those dreamy molasses spices—like fresh from the oven all over again!

FAQs

Can I use blackstrap molasses instead of unsulfured?

Blackstrap molasses is more intense and less sweet, which can make your cookies a bit too bitter or robust. Stick with unsulfured molasses for the perfect balance of flavor and sweetness in Soft Molasses Cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Keep an eye out for edges that look set and slightly puffed, while the centers should appear soft and just a touch underbaked. They’ll finish setting as they cool on the baking sheet—trust your oven timer!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Chilled dough holds its shape better for rolling and can develop even more complex flavors as it rests.

Why are my cookies too hard or dry?

Most likely, the cookies were overbaked or too much flour was added. Aim to take them out while the centers are still very soft, and always measure your flour with the spoon-and-level method for best results.

Can I use this recipe for cookie sandwiches?

Yes! Soft Molasses Cookies are fabulous for sandwiches—spread cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream between two cookies for a luscious dessert that’s perfect for parties or gifting.

Final Thoughts

Give these Soft Molasses Cookies a try and you’ll understand why they’re such a standby in my kitchen. From their gorgeous crackled tops to the warm spiced centers, they are pure comfort in every bite. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out in your kitchen—happy baking and even happier snacking!

Print