If you have a soft spot for cozy, warmly spiced treats that melt in your mouth, then you are going to adore this Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the perfect balance of chewy and tender, infused with rich molasses, fragrant spices, and a sweet sugar crust that creates an irresistible texture and flavor. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends at a festive gathering, these molasses cookies make every bite feel like a warm hug from the oven. No need for complicated steps or fancy ingredients—this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into irresistible, super soft delights that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe is half the joy, especially because each item plays a vital role in creating the perfect cookie. From the spices that add depth and warmth to the sugars that balance sweetness and texture, every component is essential for achieving that soft, chewy sensation you crave.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies, providing structure without making them tough.
- 2 tsp ground ginger: Adds a zesty warmth that complements molasses beautifully.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses a classic spicy sweetness to enhance the flavor complexity.
- ½ tsp ground cloves: Offers a subtle, aromatic bite that deepens the spice profile.
- ¼ tsp nutmeg: A tiny amount that elevates the cozy holiday feel with its nutty notes.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough while keeping them soft.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Imparts moisture and an irresistible caramel undertone.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together for perfect cookie consistency.
- ¼ cup unsulphured molasses: The star ingredient, delivering deep, robust sweetness and moistness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a slightly crunchy, sparkling coating that contrasts the soft centers.
How to Make Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple preparation ensures your cookies bake evenly and are easy to remove without sticking or breaking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Getting these spices evenly distributed is key to making sure every cookie bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy. This step traps air, creating a lighter cookie texture that’s soft and tender.
Step 4: Add Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. This combination adds moisture, chewiness, and that signature rich flavor you expect from a molasses cookie.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies light and tender rather than dense.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then coat each ball in granulated sugar for a sparkly, sweet crust that contrasts the soft interior beautifully.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping an eye out for the edges to set while centers remain soft. Let them cool briefly on the sheet before transferring to a rack to cool completely, locking in that ultimate softness.
How to Serve Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, dust your molasses cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar right before serving. It adds a festive sparkle and subtle sweetness that enhances the cookie’s spicy notes exquisitely.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea, hot cocoa, or a glass of cold milk. The soothing beverages balance the rich spices and create a comforting treat perfect for chilly afternoons or cozy evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your molasses cookies alongside a small bowl of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert option. Or arrange them on a festive platter with holiday fruits and nuts to impress guests at your next party. Their soft texture and inviting aroma make them a star wherever they appear.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread inside the container can help maintain their moisture, ensuring you enjoy that Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe experience for days after baking.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until firm, then transferring to a sealed bag or container. When ready to bake, just pop the frozen dough balls onto a tray and add 1 to 2 minutes extra baking time for the perfect fresh-baked cookie anytime.
Reheating
If your cookies have cooled and firmed up, gently warming them in a microwave for about 10 seconds can revive their soft texture and molasses-rich aroma, making each bite just as delightful as when fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup?
Molasses provides a unique deep and slightly bittersweet flavor that honey or maple syrup can’t fully replicate. For the true Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe taste, it’s best to stick with molasses. However, honey or maple syrup can be used in a pinch but expect a milder flavor and different texture.
Why do my molasses cookies turn out hard?
Hard cookies often result from overbaking or using too much flour. Be sure to bake just until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, and measure flour accurately to keep your cookies tender and chewy.
Can I use other spices instead of cloves and nutmeg?
Absolutely! While cloves and nutmeg add depth, you can experiment with cardamom, allspice, or even a hint of black pepper for a unique twist. Just adjust quantities to avoid overpowering the molasses flavor.
How long do these cookies stay soft?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay soft for about 3 to 5 days. Beyond that, they may start to firm up unless thawed or reheated gently.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe contains no meat or animal-derived rennet, making it completely vegetarian-friendly. Just make sure your ingredients like vanilla extract and sugars meet your personal dietary standards.
Final Thoughts
I couldn’t be more excited for you to try this Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe. It’s such a joyful way to bring comforting spices and chewy sweetness straight to your kitchen, in a cookie that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Cozy up with these gems and watch how quickly they disappear because once you taste them, there’s no going back!
Print
Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Super Soft Molasses Cookies combine warm spices and rich molasses to create a wonderfully chewy and tender treat that’s perfect for holidays or anytime you want a comforting dessert. With a simple blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, these cookies offer a delicious depth of flavor in every bite, baked to golden perfection with a slightly crisp edge and soft center.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Finishing
- ¼ cup granulated sugar, for rolling dough balls
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt to distribute the spices evenly throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is creamy and smooth, which helps create the cookie’s soft texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, unsulphured molasses, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar. Beat the mixture thoroughly until it is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until all ingredients are combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can toughen the cookies.
- Scoop and Roll: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll each into a ball, then coat evenly with granulated sugar to give the cookies a slight crunch and sparkle on top.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers look soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set with perfect softness inside.
Notes
- For extra soft cookies, slightly underbake and store them in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
- You can freeze the dough balls and bake directly from frozen, just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time for best results.
- Using unsulphured molasses enhances the flavor without any bitterness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
