Name: Seriously Soft Molasses Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 102 min
Ingredients: 2.25 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1.5 teaspoons baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves; 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.75 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature); 0.5 cup brown sugar (packed); 0.25 cup granulated sugar; 0.33 cup molasses (unsulphured or dark, do not use blackstrap); 1 large egg (at room temperature); 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 0.33 cup granulated or coarse sugar (for rolling)

Introduction to Soft Molasses Cookies

Soft molasses cookies are a timeless treat that brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite. This must-bake cookie is known for its rich flavor profile and soft, chewy texture that makes you reach for just one more. The combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a wonderful aroma, making it an ideal recipe for cozy evenings or holiday gatherings.

But why are soft molasses cookies such a must-bake? Not only do they deliver a delicious burst of flavor, but they're also incredibly simple to make. With everyday pantry ingredients like flour, butter, and molasses, whipping up a batch becomes a fun and satisfying kitchen project. Moreover, the dough can be prepared ahead of time, saving you effort when unexpected guests drop by or when you're in the mood for a warm dessert.

To elevate your baking game, explore Sally's Baking Addiction for expert tips and insights. The beauty of soft molasses cookies lies in their adaptability; whether you prefer them plain, with a sprinkle of sugar, or even with chocolate chips, there's a version to satisfy every palate. Gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the delightful world of soft molasses cookies!

Ingredients for Soft Molasses Cookies

When you're ready to bake a batch of seriously soft molasses cookies, gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect texture and flavor. Let's break down what you'll need:

All-purpose flour: 2 and ¼ cups (281g), spooned and leveled to ensure accuracy.
Baking soda: 1 and ½ teaspoons for that necessary rise.
Spices: You'll want 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, 1 and ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon each of ground cloves and nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Unsalted butter: ¾ cup (170g), softened to room temperature, adding richness to your cookies.
Sugars: Combine ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar (light or dark) with ¼ cup (50g) of granulated sugar for that perfectly sweet finish.
Molasses: ⅓ cup (80ml) of unsulphured or dark molasses will give these cookies their signature flavor—avoid blackstrap molasses for this recipe.
Egg and vanilla: 1 large egg, at room temperature, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract round out the mix.

For rolling, keep some extra sugar (⅓ cup or 67g) on hand. Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, you’re one step closer to enjoying those chewy, flavorful cookies! For more insight on baking essentials, you can check out Sally's Baking Addiction.

Preparing Soft Molasses Cookies

Baking soft molasses cookies is one of the most delightful experiences, filling your kitchen with warm, cozy aromas that transport you to a winter wonderland, no matter the season. Let's walk through the steps to create these scrumptious treats together!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving in, make sure you have all your ingredients at the ready. Here’s what you need:

2 and ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 and ½ teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 and ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup unsulphured or dark molasses
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For rolling: ⅓ cup granulated or coarse sugar

Having everything organized not only speeds up the process but also helps prevent any last-minute dashes to the store!

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt until combined. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents and spices throughout your cookie dough. Set this dry mixture aside for later.

Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer to beat the softened butter with both sugars on high speed until creamy and light. This usually takes about two minutes. Next, mix in the molasses, followed by the egg and vanilla, mixing until everything is well combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl to ensure an even mix!

Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Once your wet mixture is ready, it’s time to slowly add the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed to avoid flour clouds! Your cookie dough should be slightly sticky, perfect for shaping later.

Combine Everything to Form a Dough

Once everything is well combined, your cookie dough is ready for the next step. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour—this time allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll.

Chill the Dough for Best Results

Chilling your cookie dough is key for soft molasses cookies. By chilling, you're ensuring that the cookies maintain their shape while baking—no one wants flat cookies!

Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Parchment paper is highly recommended for cookies as it helps with even baking.

Shape and Roll the Dough

Once your dough is ready, take it out of the refrigerator. If it’s been in there for longer than two hours, let it warm up at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help with spreading! Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough and then coat them in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheets about three inches apart.

Bake for That Perfect Softness

Pop your baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 11–12 minutes. You want the edges to look set but the tops may still look soft. If they aren't cracking on top, gently tap the baking sheet on the counter a couple of times for that final push towards cookie perfection!

After a little cooling time on the sheets, transfer them to a wire rack, and voila! You now have a batch of delicious soft molasses cookies ready to enjoy.

By following these steps, you'll set yourself up for cookie success every time! Happy baking!

Variations on Soft Molasses Cookies

Ginger-spiced molasses cookies

Add a little zing to your traditional soft molasses cookies by incorporating fresh ginger! Simply substitute 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger in place of the ground ginger in the recipe. This will give your cookies a delightful kick and enhance their overall flavor, making each bite a festive treat perfect for the holidays.

Chocolate chip molasses twist

Why not combine the best of both worlds? For a delicious twist on your soft molasses cookies, mix in 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips before baking. The gooey chocolate complements the rich molasses beautifully, creating an indulgent dessert that will have friends and family coming back for seconds. For more variations, check out this chocolate chip cookie recipe!

Baking Notes for Soft Molasses Cookies

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture

To ensure your soft molasses cookies have that melt-in-your-mouth consistency, don't skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Also, measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup to avoid dense cookies.

Storing and Freezing Advice

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you’re planning to make a larger batch, baked cookies can be frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw them overnight in the fridge, and they’ll be just as delightful. For saved dough, freeze the unbaked balls (before rolling in sugar) for easy baking anytime. Check out this guide on freezing cookie dough for more tips!

Serving Suggestions for Soft Molasses Cookies

Pairing with Beverages

For the ultimate enjoyment of your soft molasses cookies, consider pairing them with a steaming cup of chai or a creamy hot chocolate. The warmth and spice of chai beautifully complement the rich molasses flavors. Alternatively, a chilled glass of almond or oat milk can offer a delightful creamy contrast, enhancing the cookie's soft texture.

Creative Serving Ideas

Your soft molasses cookies can be more than just a snack! Try serving them as a delightful dessert sandwich filled with cream cheese frosting. For a festive touch, stack them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or warm them slightly before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Adding a side of spiced apple compote will also elevate your dessert experience to new heights. How do you like to serve your cookies? Share your thoughts!

Tips for Making Perfect Soft Molasses Cookies

Avoiding Common Mistakes

To achieve perfectly soft molasses cookies, avoid overmixing your dough. This can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender, chewy texture you want. Also, let your dough chill to enhance the flavor and texture. If your cookies aren't spreading or cracking, try gently banging the baking sheet on the counter halfway through baking — it works like magic!

Essential Tools for Baking Success

Having the right tools can make a world of difference in your soft molasses cookies journey. Equip yourself with:

Handheld or stand mixer: Perfect for creamy butter and sugar blends.
Parchment paper or silicone mats: Ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for consistent results.

For more baking tips, check out Sally's Baking Addiction or King Arthur Baking for expert advice!

Time details for Soft Molasses Cookies

When you're ready to bake Seriously Soft Molasses Cookies, here's a quick guide to help you plan your time effectively.

Preparation time

Get all your ingredients together and mix the dough in about 20 minutes. A breeze, right?

Chilling time

For best results, chill the dough for 1 hour. Want to make it ahead? Chill for up to 2–3 days for extra flavor!

Baking time

The baking process takes around 11–12 minutes. Keep an eye on those edges!

Total time

From start to finish, plan for about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Most of that is chilling time, so you can kick back and enjoy a moment while you wait!

These time details ensure your soft molasses cookies turn out perfectly every time. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information for Soft Molasses Cookies

When indulging in these Seriously Soft Molasses Cookies, it’s helpful to know what you’re savoring. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutrition packed into each cookie:

Calories: Approximately 100 calories per cookie, making them a delightful treat without the guilt.
Carbohydrates: Each cookie contains about 14 grams of carbohydrates, providing a nice boost of energy.
Sugar Content: With around 6 grams of sugar per cookie, they strike a satisfying balance between sweetness and spice.

For more insights on making healthier choices while baking, check out this guide on understanding baking ingredients! Enjoy your baking adventure, and savor every bite of these delectable cookies!

FAQs about Soft Molasses Cookies

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Knowing when your soft molasses cookies are perfectly baked can be tricky, but it’s all about the appearance. Look for edges that are set while the centers may still appear a bit underbaked or soft. They should also have those characteristic cracks on top. If you don’t see the cracks, give the baking sheet a gentle bang on the counter a couple of times and return them to the oven for just another minute or two. This little trick helps them spread and achieves that delightful, soft texture!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can make soft molasses cookies gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum for better structure and gluten-like texture. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour offer fantastic options!

What’s the secret to soft cookies?

The secret lies in a few key steps:

Chill the dough: This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much, keeping them soft and chewy.
Don’t overbake: It’s tempting to leave them in a bit longer, but they continue to cook after being taken out of the oven. Trust your instincts!
Use brown sugar: The moisture retention in brown sugar helps keep your cookies soft longer.

Using these tips will elevate your baking game and ensure your cookies turn out irresistibly soft! Discover more professional baking tips at Sally's Baking Addiction.

Conclusion on Soft Molasses Cookies

In summary, soft molasses cookies are a timeless treat that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. With their rich flavors and chewy texture, they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cozy cup of tea. Whether for holidays or a casual weekend, these cookies are sure to delight! For more baking inspiration, check out Baking Tips and enhance your cookie game!