A Timeless Treat
There’s nothing quite like the warm, spiced aroma of molasses cookies fresh from the oven. With their irresistibly soft texture and perfectly balanced spices, these cookies are a nostalgic treat that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a cozy dessert, this recipe for Super Soft Molasses Cookies is sure to delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are perfect for anyone who enjoys the comforting flavors of molasses, cinnamon, and ginger. They’re soft, chewy, and easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, their long shelf life makes them a great option for holiday gifting or batch baking.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and flexible. The cookies stay soft for days, making them ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth all week long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful molasses cookies:
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cloves
- ½ teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¾ cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (plus extra for rolling cookie dough balls)
- ¼ cup Full-Flavor Molasses (e.g., Brer Rabbit brand)
- 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
These pantry staples come together to create a cookie that’s perfectly soft, sweet, and spiced.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cloves, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed and gives the cookies their signature flavor.
2. Blend the Wet Ingredients
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the vegetable oil and sugar together on medium-high speed until well blended. Add the molasses and egg, mixing until combined.
3. Combine and Chill
Switch your mixer to low speed and gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours. Chilling is crucial for easy shaping and to prevent spreading during baking.
4. Shape and Preheat
After chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F and adjust the oven rack to the second level (just above center). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into 1-inch balls, then coat them in sugar.
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the sugared dough balls on the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cookies are puffed and slightly cracked on top. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire cooling rack
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilled dough is easier to work with and ensures your cookies keep their shape.
- Room Temperature Egg: A room-temperature egg blends more easily with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother dough.
- Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookies that bake evenly.
- Monitor Baking Time: For the softest cookies, bake them until just set. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spices: Customize the spice profile by adding nutmeg or allspice.
- Sweeteners: Substitute half the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Add-Ins: Fold in raisins or chopped nuts for extra texture.
Storing Leftovers
Store your molasses cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re making them in advance, they also freeze beautifully. Layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and enjoy within three months.
Pairing Suggestions
These cookies are lovely on their own, but for a special treat, pair them with:
- A cup of chai or spiced tea
- A frothy latte
- A glass of cold milk
- Vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert sandwich
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be chilled for up to 24 hours. This makes it convenient for busy schedules.
Can I use blackstrap molasses?
Blackstrap molasses has a much stronger and slightly bitter flavor. Stick to regular full-flavor molasses for this recipe.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
This could be due to skipping the chilling step or using warm dough. Ensure the dough is cold when shaping and baking.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should look puffed and slightly cracked on top. They’ll flatten slightly as they cool.
A Sweet Call to Action
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family! Baking together is a wonderful way to create memories. Be sure to subscribe to our blog for more delightful recipes and baking tips. Happy baking!