Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe: The Coziest Bite You’ll Ever Take

Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly spiced, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this soft molasses cookie recipe. These aren’t your grandma’s dry, crumbly molasses cookies. We’re talking about cookies that are deeply flavorful, incredibly soft, and practically beg to be paired with a warm glass of milk or a steaming mug of coffee. This recipe is perfect for the holidays, a cozy weekend baking session, or simply when you need a comforting treat. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves – happiness baking!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe isn’t just a collection of ingredients; it’s a carefully crafted formula designed for ultimate softness and flavor. Here’s why it works so well:

• The Right Ratio of Fat to Flour: We use a generous amount of butter, which contributes to the cookies’ tender texture and richness.
• Molasses Magic: Molasses is the star of the show! It not only provides a deep, caramel-like flavor but also adds moisture, ensuring the cookies stay soft and chewy.
• Spices Galore: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and a touch of nutmeg creates a warm and inviting spice profile that perfectly complements the molasses.
• Baking Soda Power: Baking soda reacts with the molasses’ acidity, creating lift and a slightly chewy texture.
• Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial! It allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
• Gentle Baking: Baking at a slightly lower temperature ensures the cookies bake evenly and stay soft in the center.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Granulated sugar, for rolling

Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
2. Add Egg and Molasses: Beat in the egg until well combined. Then, add the molasses and mix until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Shape and Roll the Cookies: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in granulated sugar, coating it evenly.
8. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
10. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your molasses cookies turn out perfectly soft and delicious every time:

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Use Softened Butter: Softened butter creams more easily with the sugar, creating a light and airy batter.
• Don’t Skip the Chilling Time: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing excessive spreading and allowing the flavors to develop.
• Use Parchment Paper: Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.
• Bake Until Just Set: Don’t overbake the cookies! They should be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to bake as they cool.
• Adjust Spices to Your Preference: Feel free to adjust the amounts of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg to suit your taste.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures that all your cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.
• Experiment with Different Sugars: Try using dark brown sugar for an even deeper molasses flavor.

Storage Instructions

To keep your soft molasses cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Let them thaw completely at room temperature before enjoying.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of molasses?

A: We recommend using unsulphured molasses for the best flavor and texture. Blackstrap molasses has a very strong, bitter flavor and is not recommended for this recipe.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum, as it helps to bind the ingredients together.

Q: My cookies spread too thin. What did I do wrong?

A: This is usually caused by not chilling the dough long enough or using butter that was too soft. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 2 hours and use softened, but not melted, butter.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to these cookies?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries to the dough for extra flavor and texture.

Q: Can I bake these ahead of time?

A: Yes! These cookies are great for making ahead. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Conclusion

This soft molasses cookie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its warm spices, chewy texture, and comforting flavor, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible cookies. You won’t be disappointed!