Name: Soft Molasses Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar, divided; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup molasses; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup additional granulated sugar (for rolling)

These soft molasses cookies are wonderfully chewy with the perfect balance of warm spices and deep molasses flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy holiday treat or just craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. The texture is just right—soft and tender on the inside with a slightly crisp, sugary coating on the outside. Trust me, they’ll quickly become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this recipe is to make, yet the end result is incredibly satisfying. The combination of molasses and warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates a comforting, festive flavor that’s perfect for colder months. The dough is simple to work with, and once baked, the cookies are soft and chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness. They’re also great for gifting or sharing at parties, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar, divided

1 large egg

1/4 cup molasses

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup additional granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until smooth.

Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.

Shape and Coat the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in the extra granulated sugar, coating it evenly.

Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the center. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, here are a few variations to try:

Add-ins: You can mix in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even raisins for extra texture.

Spices: If you prefer a more intense spice flavor, increase the cinnamon, ginger, or cloves slightly, or try adding a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper warmth.

Molasses Swap: For a milder molasses flavor, consider using half molasses and half honey or maple syrup.

Storage/Reheating

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, you can defrost them at room temperature, or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that soft, chewy texture.

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FAQs

How do I make sure my molasses cookies are soft?

To ensure the cookies stay soft, I recommend not overbaking them. Pull them out of the oven when the edges are set but the center is still soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so a little softness in the middle is perfect.

Can I use a different type of sugar for this recipe?

You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a slightly richer flavor, but it might change the texture of the cookies a bit. Granulated sugar will give you that nice crisp exterior.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and roll the dough as usual. You can also freeze the dough and bake the cookies later.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

I prefer unsalted butter because it allows for better control of the salt in the recipe. If you only have salted butter on hand, just omit the added salt in the recipe.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the package instructions to ensure you’re using the right kind of gluten-free flour for baking cookies.

Conclusion

These soft molasses cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves warm, spiced flavors. They’re incredibly easy to make, and with just a few simple ingredients, you get a batch of cookies that’s sure to please everyone. Whether for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to bring comfort and joy to your kitchen. Enjoy every bite!

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