Discover how to make super soft molasses cookies with this easy recipe! These classic cookies are packed with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, creating the perfect chewy texture and rich flavor that everyone loves. Ideal for holiday baking or anytime you’re craving a cozy treat, these cookies stay soft for days and are perfect for gifting, parties, or as a family-favorite dessert. Learn the secrets to keeping molasses cookies soft, tips for perfect rolling, and variations to suit your taste. This is the ultimate recipe for homemade soft molasses cookies that are simple, delicious, and irresistible!
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- ¼ cup (60 ml) full-flavor molasses (e.g., Brer Rabbit brand)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cloves, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. - Mix Wet Ingredients:
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the vegetable oil and sugar on medium-high speed until well blended. Add the molasses and egg, mixing until fully combined. - Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. - Chill the Dough:
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to shape easily. - Preheat Oven:
Adjust the oven rack to the second level (just above the center) and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. - Shape and Coat Cookies:
Use a spoon or a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to form dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in a small bowl of granulated sugar to coat thoroughly. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. - Bake:
Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. - Cool:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The cookies will appear puffy when they come out of the oven but will flatten as they cool. - Store:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and flavorful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy perfection: These cookies are tender, flavorful, and melt in your mouth.
- Classic holiday flavor: The molasses and warm spices create a cozy, nostalgic taste.
- Easy to make: With simple pantry ingredients, these cookies are perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Tips
- Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices provide the best flavor for these cookies.
- Chill the dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Measure molasses accurately: Coat your measuring cup with a little oil before pouring molasses to make it easier to measure and clean.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spiced up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Brown sugar: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
FAQs
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough balls. Roll them in sugar, place on a tray to freeze, then store in an airtight container. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
Why does the dough need to chill?
Chilling solidifies the fat, making the dough easier to work with and ensuring the cookies don’t spread too much during baking.
Can I use light molasses?
Yes, but the cookies will have a milder flavor. Full-flavored molasses is recommended for the richest taste.
Serving
Pair these cookies with a warm glass of milk, a cup of tea, or holiday beverages like spiced cider or eggnog. They’re also perfect for cookie exchanges or holiday gift boxes.
Suggestions
- Holiday decor: Drizzle with white chocolate or sprinkle with coarse sugar for a festive touch.
- Cookie sandwiches: Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
- Gifting idea: Package in decorative tins or holiday bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Super Soft Molasses Cookies
36
servings20
minutes10
minutesIngredients
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
¼ cup (60 ml) full-flavor molasses (e.g., Brer Rabbit brand)
1 large egg, room temperature
Directions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cloves, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the vegetable oil and sugar on medium-high speed until well blended. Add the molasses and egg, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to shape easily.
- Preheat Oven:
- Adjust the oven rack to the second level (just above the center) and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Shape and Coat Cookies:
- Use a spoon or a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to form dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in a small bowl of granulated sugar to coat thoroughly. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The cookies will appear puffy when they come out of the oven but will flatten as they cool.
- Store:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and flavorful!
Leave a Reply