If you’re a fan of warm, spiced flavors and a soft, chewy texture, you’re going to love this Molasses Cookies recipe! These cookies deliver a nostalgic, comforting taste with a hint of ginger, cinnamon, and that signature molasses richness. Perfect for the holidays or any cozy evening, these treats are easy to make and guaranteed to delight.

Overhead image of Molasses Cookies on a wooden cutting board

Why You'll Love This Delicious Dessert

Perfectly Chewy. Soft in the center with slightly crisp edges.
Warm Spices. Ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create the ultimate holiday flavor.
Simple to Make. Ready in under 30 minutes with pantry staples.
Versatile. Great for holiday parties, gift-giving, or a sweet afternoon snack.

Nothing says home-baked goodness like the aroma of spiced molasses cookies wafting from your oven. These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

What Do They Taste Like?

Molasses cookies stand out for their deep, robust flavor. The molasses brings a caramel-like sweetness and chewy texture, while the spices add a festive warmth.

Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange or satisfying a sweet craving, these cookies are always a hit.

What Is The Difference Between Gingerbread And Molasses Cookies?

The primary difference between gingerbread cookies and molasses cookies lies in their texture, flavor profile, and how they are prepared and enjoyed. Here's a breakdown:

Texture
- Gingerbread Cookies: These are typically firmer and have a crisp or slightly chewy texture. Gingerbread cookies are often rolled out and cut into shapes, making them perfect for holiday decorating.
- Molasses Cookies: These are soft, tender, and chewy with a melt-in-your-mouth quality. They’re usually drop cookies, not rolled out, and have a sugar-coated exterior.
Flavor
- Gingerbread Cookies: The flavor is heavily spiced, with a stronger emphasis on ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The spices create a bold, aromatic flavor profile.
- Molasses Cookies: While also spiced, the flavor is more balanced with the deep, rich, and slightly bittersweet taste of molasses as the star. The spices are complementary rather than overpowering.
Sugar Content
- Gingerbread Cookies: Often use a combination of granulated sugar, molasses, and sometimes honey, resulting in a sweeter taste.
- Molasses Cookies: Rely more heavily on molasses and brown sugar, which give them a more caramel-like sweetness with earthy undertones.
Uses and Presentation
- Gingerbread Cookies: These are often shaped into figures (like gingerbread men) or holiday shapes, and are decorated with icing, candy, and sprinkles.
- Molasses Cookies: Typically presented as simple, round cookies with a crackled surface from rolling in granulated sugar before baking.

Both cookies are delicious, but their differences make them suited to different occasions and personal preferences!

Are Molasses Cookies For You?

While molasses cookies aren't a health food, they are a better choice than many store-bought cookies laden with artificial additives and preservatives.

If you're looking for a satisfying treat that offers some nostalgic comfort and a touch of nutrients, molasses cookies can fit the bill when enjoyed as an occasional indulgence.

Ingredients You'll Need

All-Purpose Flour- The base of the cookies for structure.Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay fluffy.
Ground Spices- Ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for the perfect balance of warmth and spice.
Unsalted Butter- Adds richness and keeps the cookies tender.
Brown Sugar- For a soft texture and caramel-like sweetness.
Molasses- The key ingredient for a deep, earthy flavor.
Egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the soft texture.
Granulated Sugar- For rolling, creating a sugary, crisp exterior.

How To Make Molasses Cookies

Preheat the Oven. Preheat to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and molasses, mixing until smooth.
Combine and Chill. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor and make it easier to handle.
Shape the Cookies. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar for a sparkling finish.
Bake. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are soft.
Cool and Serve. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or store for later.

Close up image of Molasses Cookies in a pile

Tips And Tricks

Molasses cookies are a classic treat with their rich, spiced flavor and tender texture. Follow these expert tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough. Chilling solidifies the butter and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients. Room-temperature butter and eggs mix more easily and create a smooth, consistent dough. Take butter and eggs out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start baking.
Cream the Butter and Sugars Thoroughly. Properly creaming the butter and sugars incorporates air, giving the cookies a lighter texture. Beat the butter and sugars for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and pale.

Variations

Molasses cookies are a timeless classic, but adding a creative twist can elevate them into something extraordinary. Whether you prefer to experiment with flavors or textures, these variations will inspire your next batch.

Oatmeal- Substitute a portion of the flour with rolled oats, and add raisins or dried cranberries. It adds texture and chewiness while pairing beautifully with the molasses and spices.
Sandwich Cookies- Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting or marshmallow fluff between two cookies. It creates a fun and indulgent dessert with contrasting creamy and spiced flavors.
Espresso- Stir 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder into the dough. The powder adds a hint of coffee flavor that enhances the spices and balances the sweetness.

What To Enjoy With Molasses Cookies

Molasses cookies are a versatile treat that pairs well with a variety of flavors and accompaniments. Whether you're enjoying them as a snack, dessert, or festive holiday treat, here are some perfect pairings to elevate your cookie experience:

Mulled Cider- The spiced apple flavor enhances the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in the cookies.
Hot Cocoa- The creamy richness of cocoa is a classic match for the warm spices of the cookies.
Whipped Cream- Dollop a bit of sweetened whipped cream on top for extra richness.

How Long Do They Last?

Molasses cookies, when stored properly, can last for up to 1-2 weeks at room temperature.

To maintain their softness and flavor, keep them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and moisture loss.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes! To freeze, place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container.

For unbaked cookie dough, roll it into balls and freeze it before baking.

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Molasses Cookies | Soft And Chewy Molasses Cookie Recipe