Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of that perfect cookie that’s soft, chewy, and packed with warm spices, you’re going to adore this Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come out tender with just the right hint of molasses sweetness and spice – it’s like comfort wrapped in a bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon or holiday treat, this recipe is guaranteed to make you smile and your kitchen smell divine. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep this Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe in your baking rotation forever.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe is how these pantry staples come together to create such warmth and flavor. You’ll want good-quality molasses because it really drives the flavor. Below, I share a few tips for each ingredient to help you pick the best ones!

• All-Purpose Flour: This is our base for structure. Make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Ground Cloves: Just a touch enhances depth without overwhelming.
• Ground Ginger: Adds that cozy, spicy bite that goes perfectly with molasses.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies spread and get that soft texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that complements the rich molasses.
• Salt: Balances all the sweetness and spices wonderfully.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cookies moist and soft – trust me, it’s better here than butter!
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a slight crunchy crust when you roll the dough balls in extra sugar before baking.
• Full Flavor Molasses: I recommend the Brer Rabbit brand personally for its rich, balanced taste.
• Large Egg: Adds moisture and helps bind everything nicely.

Variations

What I love about this Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Sometimes I’ll add a handful of chopped crystallized ginger for an extra zing or swap vegetable oil for melted coconut oil to add a subtle tropical note. You can really make this cookie your own!

• Ginger Boost: Adding chopped crystallized ginger amps up the spice in a delightful way – my family goes crazy for this twist during the holidays.
• Oil Swap: Try coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a different flavor profile; just melt it before mixing.
• Sweetener Adjustments: Use pure cane organic sugar instead of granulated sugar for a more natural sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend (check for one with xanthan gum included) and reduce baking soda slightly to avoid over-rising.

How to Make Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Your Spices and Flour

Begin by combining the all-purpose flour, ground cloves, ground ginger, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisking these dry ingredients together first is key – it evenly distributes those cozy spices so every bite is perfectly balanced. Set this dry mix aside while you move on to the wet ingredients. I like to be methodical here; it saves you from clumps and uneven flavor.

Step 2: Beat the Sugar and Oil

Using a hand mixer or your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the vegetable oil and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed. You’ll want this mixture to be well blended – it won’t be fluffy like with butter, but smooth and shiny. This step is what keeps your cookies soft and tender on the inside, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Add Molasses and Egg

Once your sugar and oil are combined, add in the full-flavored molasses and the room-temperature egg. Beat on medium until everything comes together nicely. I discovered that using room temperature eggs helps avoid clumps and makes mixing easier, which you’ll appreciate when the dough comes together smoothly.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Switch your mixer speed to low, then gradually add the flour and spice mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here – the dough should be soft and a bit sticky but hold its shape. Overworking it can make the cookies tough, which is the last thing we want.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

This is the game-changer step! Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling not only makes the dough easier to shape, but it also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while they bake. I often leave it overnight if I’m prepping ahead – the flavor deepens, and it fits nicely into a busy schedule.

Step 6: Form and Coat the Cookies

Adjust your oven rack to the second position and preheat to 375ºF. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon-sized dough balls, then roll each in a small bowl of granulated sugar. This gives the cookies that pretty crackly top and subtle crunch. Place the dough balls on the sheet about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 8-10 minutes at 375ºF. They’ll look puffy at first, but they’ll flatten as they cool, so don’t overbake! Once out of the oven, let them rest on the cookie sheet for about 5 minutes—this helps them set before transferring to a cooling rack. You’ll be rewarded with soft, chewy cookies with just the right amount of snap on the edges.

How to Serve Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve these cookies, I love to keep it simple—sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate looks beautiful and tastes decadent. Sprinkling a few extra cinnamon sugar crystals on top after baking adds a cozy touch and a slight sparkle that’s perfect for gifts.

Side Dishes

These Soft Molasses Cookies are a dream alongside a warm cup of chai tea or hot apple cider. I also love pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert upgrade. And if you’re serving at brunch, a spread of fresh fruit and creamy cheeses balances their sweetness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these cookies in a festive jar tied with twine and a cinnamon stick. Another favorite is stacking them in a clear glass plate tower for parties—it makes for an irresistible, eye-catching dessert display. Wrapping a few in decorative parchment and tying them with ribbon is also a lovely homemade gift idea that friends and family always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I found that storing these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature keeps them soft for up to a week. If you want to keep them really fresh, adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture—just swap it out every couple of days. It’s an old trick that really works!

Freezing

Freezing the dough balls before baking is a lifesaver if you want fresh cookies on demand. Just scoop and roll the dough, freeze them on a tray, then pop the frozen balls into a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two. This trick lets me always have dough ready for unexpected cookie cravings!

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften without drying out. If you’re reheating several, a quick 3-4 minute bake at 300ºF refreshes their texture beautifully. I love that they still taste freshly baked this way.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to cozy treats, especially when I want something that feels homemade but comes together effortlessly. I love how chewy and flavorful they are, and the way the spices bring warmth without overpowering. If you try this recipe, I promise it’ll become a favorite for your family and friends too. So put on some music, grab your mixing bowl, and enjoy baking a batch of these soft, spiced delights!

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