Molasses Cookies

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A classic favorite, Molasses Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with warm spices. This recipe combines the rich flavors of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, giving each bite a comforting taste of the holiday season. These cookies are easy to make and come out perfectly chewy and fragrant every time.

Soft and Chewy Molasses Cookies

Molasses cookies have a distinct warmth and depth of flavor, and the goal here is to keep them tender and chewy. Adding ground ginger and cinnamon to this recipe enhances the molasses with spicy-sweet undertones. A touch of finely chopped candied ginger provides an optional kick of bold flavor, taking these cookies to the next level!

There’s no need to wait for a holiday to enjoy these delightful cookies, though they certainly add a cozy touch to any winter spread. This recipe doesn’t require a lot of fancy steps, making it a go-to whenever you’re craving something sweet, spiced, and satisfying.

AND, they’re incredibly easy to make with just a few pantry ingredients!

Ingredients for Molasses Cookies

With a short list of classic ingredients, these Molasses Cookies are as simple as they are delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Flour – Regular all-purpose flour creates the perfect structure and chewy texture for these cookies.
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and a sweet-spicy note that complements the molasses beautifully.
• Ground Cloves – Just a hint of cloves intensifies the cozy, holiday flavor of these cookies.
• Ground Ginger – Essential for that signature gingerbread-like flavor, bringing a mild, spicy edge.
• Baking Soda – This leavening agent gives the cookies their soft, puffy shape and a bit of lift as they bake.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the warm spices.
• Butter – Room-temperature butter creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar – Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch on the outside when the cookies are rolled in extra sugar before baking.
• Molasses – The star ingredient! It lends a rich, dark sweetness and gives these cookies their characteristic chewy texture.
• Egg – Adds structure and helps bind all the ingredients, ensuring the cookies hold together well.
• Candied Ginger (optional) – Finely chopped for an added burst of spicy-sweet flavor. This is optional, but it’s a delicious way to enhance the ginger notes.

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How to Make Chewy Molasses Cookies

Preparing Molasses Cookies is quick and straightforward. A few key steps ensure these cookies come out tender, chewy, and full of flavor. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
   Start by whisking together the flour, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This blend of spices gives the cookies their deliciously warm and cozy flavor profile.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a medium bowl (or in a stand mixer), beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Add Molasses and Egg
   Mix in the molasses and egg with the butter-sugar mixture until well-combined. The molasses infuses the dough with rich, dark flavor, while the egg adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients.
4. Combine the Mixtures
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough. Gently fold in the optional candied ginger for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Chill the Dough
   Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a towel and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to shape and ensuring the cookies bake with the perfect chewy texture.
6. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet
   When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375˚F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for even baking. Set aside a small bowl of extra sugar for rolling the cookie dough.
7. Shape and Roll the Dough
   Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, then roll in the sugar until fully coated. Place each ball on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake and Cool
   Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they are slightly puffy with cracks on the surface. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

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Tips for the Perfect Molasses Cookies

• Chill for Best Results: Chilling the dough helps with shaping and gives the cookies a denser, chewier texture.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop, which ensures even baking.
• Add Candied Ginger: For an extra spicy twist, add the optional candied ginger. It adds a delightful kick and pairs well with the molasses flavor.

These easy steps will have you baking up soft, chewy Molasses Cookies that are guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite!

Baking and Storing Molasses Cookies

Perfectly chewy and packed with flavor, these Molasses Cookies only need a short baking time to achieve the ideal soft texture. Here’s a guide to baking times, storing, and serving tips to keep them fresh and delicious.

How Long to Bake Molasses Cookies

For chewy cookies, the baking time and temperature are key. Here’s what you need to know:

• Baking Time – Bake the cookies at 375˚F for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they are lightly puffed with small cracks on top.
• Timing Tip – For a softer, chewier texture, pull them out of the oven around 8 minutes; for a slightly crispier edge, let them bake closer to 10 minutes.
• Spacing – Place each cookie dough ball about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet, as they will spread slightly during baking.

Storing Molasses Cookies

These cookies are great for making ahead, as they stay fresh and flavorful for days. Here’s how to store them properly:

• Room Temperature – Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 7 days.
• Freezer – For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

Cookie Dough Storage

If you prefer to make the dough ahead, you can prepare and store it before baking:

• In the Refrigerator – Refrigerate the dough (covered) for 1-2 hours before baking for easier handling and a chewier texture.
• In the Freezer – Freeze individual dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Baking Tips for the Best Molasses Cookies

• Roll in Sugar for Texture – Rolling the cookie dough balls in sugar adds a subtle crunch to the outside, balancing the soft, chewy interior.
• Use a Cooling Rack – Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. This helps keep the cookies soft by allowing air to circulate.

These chewy, flavorful Molasses Cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a cozy drink any time of year!

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