Introduction
Soft molasses cookies are a comforting classic that fill your home with a warm, spiced aroma. With a perfect balance of sweetness from the brown sugar and depth from the dark molasses.
these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of ground cinnamon, ginger, and a hint of vanilla creates a cozy flavor profile that is perfect for any time of year.
These old-fashioned soft molasses cookies are easy to make, yet yield a delicious, chewy texture that will keep you coming back for more.
With simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, these cookies are an ideal treat to bake when you want something that feels both nostalgic and special.
Ingredients
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup butter, softened
¼ cup dark molasses
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add in the dark molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until the mixture is well combined.
The molasses will provide a rich flavor, while the egg ensures a soft and chewy texture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. The combination of spices adds warmth and depth to the cookies, making them a delightful treat.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Once the dough is ready, roll it into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in granulated sugar. This adds a sweet, crisp finish to the soft cookie.
Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Make
Making these soft molasses cookies is easy and enjoyable. Start by preparing your ingredients—measure
out the flour, spices, and sugar before you begin mixing. This will make the process smoother and quicker.
Once your ingredients are prepped, focus on creaming the butter and brown sugar together. This step is crucial for achieving the light, airy texture in the final cookie.
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, ensure you mix gently to keep the dough soft and smooth.
Overmixing can cause the dough to become dense, which will affect the final texture of the cookies.
Rolling the dough balls in sugar is not just for decoration—it creates a subtle crunch and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Be mindful of the baking time. You want the cookies to bake just enough to set the edges, while still leaving the center soft.
They may appear a bit underdone when you take them out of the oven, but they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
For the best results, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
This ensures they hold their shape and don’t break apart.
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store well in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying later.
Tips
If you prefer a spicier flavor, feel free to increase the cinnamon or ginger slightly. These spices play a key role in giving the cookies their warm, cozy flavor.
For extra chewiness, try using light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar. This will result in a slightly lighter flavor, but still keep the cookies soft and moist.
If you find the dough too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll the dough into balls.
You can also add chopped crystallized ginger or chocolate chips to the dough for an added flavor twist. Just fold them in with the dry ingredients before forming the dough balls.
To prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensure that the dough balls are not too large and leave enough space on the baking sheet for them to expand.
If you don’t have parchment paper or a baking mat, simply grease the baking sheet lightly with butter or cooking spray.
For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the cookies right before baking.
Conclusion
Old-fashioned soft molasses cookies are a timeless treat that brings joy with every bite. The rich flavors of molasses and warm.
spices combined with the soft, chewy texture make these cookies an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Whether you’re baking them for a holiday celebration or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Easy to make and even easier to eat, they are a perfect addition to any cookie jar.