Why You’ll Love This Molasses Cookie Recipe
Perfect for the holidays. If you ask me for the perfect Christmas cookie recipe, I’ll tell you: Molasses cookies! Sure, they’re old-timey and more understated than a fancy, decorated Cut-Out Sugar Cookie. But there’s just something about biting into a deliciously spiced, soft, and chewy molasses cookie that gives me instant holiday cozy vibes. Rich ginger flavor. These ginger molasses cookies are a bit like my Chewy Gingerdoodles, only with a richer, more caramelized flavor thanks to the molasses. Add a touch of cinnamon and ginger to make them cozy, and you’ve got yourself a chewy, crunchy cookie that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa! Quick and easy. This molasses cookies recipe is super simple to prepare and requires just 10 minutes of bake time. No chilling required either!
Looking for more irresistible cookie recipes? Try my Gingersnap Cookies, Rum Balls, and Butter Cookies too!
Why You’ll Love This Molasses Cookie RecipeWhat’s the Difference Between Molasses and Gingerbread Cookies?What You’ll NeedHow to Make Chewy Molasses CookiesCan I Make the Cookie Dough Ahead?Tips for SuccessHow to Store Your Molasses CookiesGet the Recipe
What’s the Difference Between Molasses and Gingerbread Cookies?
If I had to describe molasses cookies to someone who hasn’t tried them, I’d say they’re a cross between a Snickerdoodle and a Gingerbread Cookie in the best way possible. These molasses cookies are flavored a bit like a gingerbread cookie, then rolled in sugar like a snickerdoodle before baking. Their crunchy, sugary exterior and soft, spiced insides are the best of both worlds. The main difference between these molasses cookies and say, Gingersnap Cookies, is that they’re more of a chewy ginger cookie, while gingersnaps are generally thinner and crispier.
What You’ll Need
Let’s quickly go over the ingredients for these molasses cookies. Please refer to the recipe card for the full recipe details!
Butter and Sugar: Room temperature butter is easiest to mix, so you’ll want to take it out of the fridge about a half hour before you start. You’ll also need sugar. Since these cookies already come out extra moist and caramelized thanks to the molasses, I usually stick with regular white granulated sugar (vs. brown sugar). Egg: The egg helps to bind the ingredients and adds richness to the dough. Molasses: Our star! Make sure that the jar of molasses in your pantry is the right one. I use dark molasses for its full-bodied flavor. See below for more details on the best kind of molasses to use when baking cookies. Vanilla: You’ll want to use pure vanilla extract and not imitation for this cookie recipe. It does make a difference! Baking Soda and Salt: Baking soda helps the cookies rise up while they bake, while salt balances the flavors and enhances the molasses and spice. Spices: Ground cinnamon and ground ginger bring loads of warm spice to these cookies. Flour: Regular all-purpose flour is just fine.
What’s the Best Molasses for Cookies?
So, technically there are three types of molasses out there, but only two of them are good for baking. Look for either light molasses or dark molasses. Dark molasses is most commonly used in baked goods, as it’s less sweet and yields a darker cookie with a stronger molasses flavor. In case you’re wondering, the third option is bootstrap molasses. File this under “avoid”! This type has a very bitter taste and won’t come out great in cookies.
How to Make Chewy Molasses Cookies
This molasses cookie recipe comes together quickly and tastes like a lazy Sunday afternoon under a blanket in front of a roaring fire. Because that’s totally a flavor. You get my drift though, right? Here’s an overview but scroll down to the recipe card for more detailed instructions.
Make the dough: Combine butter with 1 cup of sugar in your mixer and cream until smooth. Set aside the remaining sugar for now. Next, you’ll add in the rest of the ingredients, apart from the flour. Give everything a good mix to combine. Lastly, switch the mixer to low speed while you add the flour. Be careful to not overmix. Portion Out the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to portion out balls of cookie dough. Here’s where your reserved sugar from earlier comes in. Roll each dough ball in sugar to coat, then place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake: Bake the cookies at 350ºF for 9-10 minutes. The edges of the cookies should be set but the middles should still be slightly soft. After they’re out of the oven, you can move the cookies from the tray to a wire rack for cooling.
Can I Make the Cookie Dough Ahead?
Yes! I love the fact that I can prepare the molasses cookie dough in advance. It comes in especially handy during the holidays when my kitchen essentially turns into a cookie factory. Once your dough is mixed, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for 2-3 days, or until you’re ready to bake it. You can also freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Defrost the dough in the fridge and then bake. See below for tips on storing and freezing your baked molasses cookies!
Tips for Success
Below are some extra hints and tricks for making the best molasses cookies from scratch:
Why are my molasses cookies bitter? It could be that you used the wrong kind of molasses. While light and dark molasses are suitable for baking, Blackstrap molasses has a bitter, not-so-nice flavor. The cookies will still bake the same, but the flavor will be more bitter than expected. Make sure to check the labels! Don’t overbake. Slightly underbaking your molasses cookies is what gives them that irresistibly soft and chewy mouthfeel. Cookies left in the oven for too long will dry out and become too crispy. Brown sugar can be used in place of molasses. if you’re in a pickle, substitute 1 cup of molasses with 1.5 cups of brown sugar if needed.
How to Store Your Molasses Cookies
Room temperature. Store homemade molasses cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days, when they’ll be at their freshest. Freezer. These molasses cookies can be frozen for up to 1 month. Store them airtight in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, and thaw the cookies in the fridge or on the countertop at room temperature.
More Easy Cookie Recipes
Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Soft and Chewy Snickerdoodles Gingerdoodles Brown Butter Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies Chewy Walnut Cookies
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