Molasses cookies are a timeless classic that instantly evoke warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. With their deep brown color, soft and chewy centers, and crackled sugar-coated tops, these cookies are the very definition of cozy baking. The rich flavor of molasses combined with fragrant spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a cookie that is bold, aromatic, and irresistibly comforting.
Traditionally enjoyed during fall and winter, molasses cookies have roots in old-fashioned home baking, where pantry staples came together to create something magical. These cookies strike the perfect balance between sweetness and spice, with a soft interior and slightly crisp edges. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, gifting them to loved ones, or enjoying one with a warm cup of tea or coffee, molasses cookies never fail to delight.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this molasses cookies recipe because it delivers consistently soft, chewy cookies with rich flavor every single time. The dough is easy to work with, requires simple ingredients, and fills the kitchen with the most incredible aroma while baking. Each bite feels comforting and indulgent without being overly sweet, making these cookies perfect for all ages.
Why This Is a Must-Try Recipe
- Perfectly soft and chewy texture
- Deep, rich molasses flavor with warm spices
- Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients
- Ideal for holidays, gifting, or everyday treats
- Stores and freezes beautifully
Once you try these cookies, they’ll quickly become a baking staple in your home.
Preparation & Cooking Details
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
- Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: About 55 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Course: Dessert / Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
Cooking Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
- Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until combined.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes if desired.
- Roll dough into balls, coat in sugar, and bake.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Prepare Dry Mix: Whisk flour, baking soda, spices, and salt together.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat until pale and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine: Slowly add dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Chill Dough: Helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
- Sugar Coating: Roll balls in granulated sugar.
- Bake: Bake 10–12 minutes until tops crack.
- Cool: Let cookies rest on the tray before transferring.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with milk, tea, or coffee
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for dessert
- Add to holiday cookie platters
- Pack as edible gifts
Recipe Tips
- Do not overbake—cookies firm up as they cool
- Use unsulphured molasses for best flavor
- Chill dough for thicker, chewier cookies
- Measure flour accurately for best texture
Variations
1. Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies
Add an extra teaspoon of ground ginger for bold spice.
2. Chocolate Molasses Cookies
Mix in ½ cup chocolate chips for a rich twist.
3. Vegan Molasses Cookies
Use vegan butter and flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2½ tbsp water).
4. Gluten-Free Version
Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking blend.
5. Orange-Spiced Molasses Cookies
Add 1 teaspoon orange zest for citrus warmth.
Freezing & Storage
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5–7 days
Freezing
- Baked Cookies: Freeze up to 3 months
- Cookie Dough: Freeze dough balls up to 3 months
Thaw at room temperature before serving or baking.
Special Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Conclusion
Molasses cookies are a comforting classic that never goes out of style. With their warm spices, soft texture, and rich molasses flavor, they’re perfect for any season—especially when you want a cozy homemade treat. This recipe is reliable, versatile, and deeply satisfying, making it a must-have in every baker’s collection. Bake a batch, share the warmth, and enjoy every delicious bite.
Molasses Cookies
Description
Molasses cookies are a timeless classic that instantly evoke warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. With their deep brown color, soft and chewy centers, and crackled sugar-coated tops, these cookies are the very definition of cozy baking. The rich flavor of molasses combined with fragrant spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a cookie that is bold, aromatic, and irresistibly comforting.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
For Rolling
Instructions
-
Prepare Dry Mix: Whisk flour, baking soda, spices, and salt together.
-
Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat until pale and fluffy.
-
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
-
Combine: Slowly add dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
-
Chill Dough: Helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
-
Shape Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
-
Sugar Coating: Roll balls in granulated sugar.
-
Bake: Bake 10–12 minutes until tops crack.
-
Cool: Let cookies rest on the tray before transferring.
