Description: These Old-Fashioned Soft Molasses Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the warm, comforting flavors of classic baking. With their soft, chewy texture and rich molasses spice, they’re perfect for any occasion – a cozy evening at home, a holiday gathering, or a simple afternoon snack. This recipe is straightforward and reliable, promising consistently delicious cookies that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses (unsulphured recommended)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at a consistent temperature, crucial for even baking. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your best friend for preventing cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the baking sheet.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a hand mixer) for best results. Beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is vital as it incorporates air into the batter, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing. If you’re doing this by hand, ensure the butter is very soft and blend well.
Step 3: Add Molasses and Egg: Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the molasses and egg to the bowl. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined. The molasses provides the signature flavor and adds moisture to the cookies, while the egg acts as a binder, helping the dough come together. Ensure the egg is fully incorporated, and the mixture is uniform in color. Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor; it’s less bitter than other varieties.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is essential for the cookies to rise properly and have a consistent flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and no streaks remain. The dough will be slightly sticky, which is normal.
Step 6: Shaping the Cookies: Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. If you want, you can gently flatten the dough balls slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingertips for a more uniform shape.
Step 7: Baking: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to bake slightly as they cool on the baking sheet. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
Step 8: Cooling: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking while they are still soft. Cooling them completely on a wire rack will ensure they maintain their soft and chewy texture.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Classic Flavor: The combination of molasses and warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a nostalgic flavor that evokes a sense of comfort and warmth.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a delightful soft and chewy texture that’s simply irresistible. They’re not crispy or crunchy, but rather melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is relatively simple and straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The ingredients are common and easy to find, and the steps are easy to follow.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or simply a sweet treat for yourself, these molasses cookies are always a hit.
- Freezer-Friendly: These cookies freeze well, making them a great option for baking ahead of time. Simply freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
COOKING Rating: 5/5 (Beginner-Friendly and Delicious!)
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea.
- Serve them as part of a cookie platter for holiday gatherings or parties.
- Pair them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet treat.
- Give them as a homemade gift to friends and family.
Tips:
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is properly softened before creaming it with the sugar. This will ensure a smooth and creamy mixture, which is essential for the cookies’ texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Spice Adjustment: Adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, add a bit more ginger, cinnamon, or cloves.
- Molasses Type: Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor, as it is less bitter than other types.
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 8-10 minutes Total Time: 23-25 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per cookie) Calories: 120 Protein: 1g Sodium: 75mg
Conclusion:
These Old-Fashioned Soft Molasses Cookies are a true taste of nostalgia. The warm spices and soft, chewy texture make them a comforting and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these delightful cookies that will transport you back to simpler times.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?
- A1: While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe due to its balance of gluten content, you can experiment with other flours. If you use whole wheat flour, the cookies will have a denser texture. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid if using gluten-free flour. It’s best to stick with all-purpose flour for the most authentic results, especially if you’re new to baking.
- Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- A2: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! After preparing the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking.
- Q3: What if my cookies are spreading too thin during baking?
- A3: If your cookies are spreading too thin, the most common cause is the butter being too soft. Make sure the butter is softened but still cool to the touch, not melted or overly greasy. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent excessive spreading. Ensuring your oven is at the correct temperature is also vital.
- Q4: Can I add other ingredients to these cookies?
- A4: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the cookies to your liking. Some popular additions include chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking. A little orange or lemon zest can also add a bright citrus note.
- Q5: How do I store these cookies to keep them soft?
- A5: To keep the cookies soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread or an apple wedge to the container can help maintain moisture. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can dry them out. Properly stored, they should stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days.
