Seriously Soft Molasses Cookies

Name: Seriously Soft Molasses Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup unsulphured or dark molasses (not blackstrap); 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/3 cup granulated or coarse sugar, for rolling

By:

Alejandro

Published:

September 19, 2025

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Seriously Soft Molasses Cookies are a sweet, nostalgic treat that instantly brings warmth to the heart and home. With every bite, you’ll remember cozy winter nights and festive gatherings. These cookies stand out not just for their rich flavors but also for their delightful, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Imagine biting into a soft cookie that has the perfect blend of spices and molasses, making it wonderfully comforting. Whether you’re whipping these up for a family gathering or just need a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be tempted to keep the recipe close and share it with friends and family alike. Gather your ingredients, roll up those sleeves, and let’s bake some Seriously Soft Molasses Cookies!

Why This Recipe Works

This Seriously Soft Molasses Cookies recipe combines the perfect balance of spices and a touch of molasses to create irresistibly chewy cookies. The process of chilling the dough is key, allowing the flavors to meld and resulting in a tender texture that keeps these cookies soft for days. When you let the dough rest in the refrigerator, the flavors deepen and the cookies come out perfectly soft, just how cookies should be.

Why You’ll Love This Seriously Soft Molasses Cookies

These molasses cookies are not just a treat; they evoke warmth and nostalgia, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Their soft, pillowy texture and rich flavor will charm anyone who takes a bite. Plus, they fill your kitchen with an incredible aroma while baking. Who can resist the scent of freshly baked cookies inviting you to grab just one more?

Ingredients

2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1/3 cup (80ml) unsulphured or dark molasses (do not use blackstrap; Grandma’s brand is preferred)
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup (67g) granulated or coarse sugar, for rolling

Preparing the Seriously Soft Molasses Cookies Dough

Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Start with Whisking together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. Make sure they’re well mixed to spread the spices evenly later on. Once combined, set this dry mixture aside for now.

Beat Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, grab your handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed for about 2 minutes. You want it creamy and fluffy. Next, add the molasses and mix until it’s all blended nicely. Now, toss in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing for about 1 minute. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you mix to ensure everything is incorporated well.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

On low speed, gradually begin mixing your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. You’ll notice the cookie dough will be slightly sticky, which is just what you want. Once combined, cover the dough tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or feel free to let it rest for up to 2-3 days. This chilling time does wonders for the cookie flavor and texture!

Baking the Seriously Soft Molasses Cookies

Preheat the Oven

Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to get the oven going! Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Shape the Cookies

Remove your chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator. If it’s been there for over two hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly. Then, roll the dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each one in the granulated sugar until coated. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, keeping about 3 inches of space between each ball so they have room to spread.

Bake the Cookies

It’s time to bake! Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven. Bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges look set but the centers are still soft. If you notice the tops don’t crack, gently bang the baking sheet on the counter 2-3 times. This flickers the air and helps them form those signature cracks; then bake for an additional minute.

Cooling the Cookies

Once they’re done, carefully remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is crucial; it helps them firm up just right!

Serving Suggestions

These molasses cookies shine when served alongside a tall glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. They’re delightful for holiday gatherings or simply enjoyed as a comforting afternoon snack. You can even pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert treat.

Tips for Success

To really nail this recipe, make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off. Chilling the dough is equally important; it keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking, which helps maintain that soft, chewy texture. Also, don’t skip rolling them in sugar — that little extra touch makes them sparkle and adds a delightful finish.

Variations

Feel brave? Experiment with different spices! A pinch of black pepper can give them a surprising kick. Alternatively, consider substituting half of the molasses with honey for a softer flavor that still maintains that delicious sweetness we love.

Storage Tips

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, consider freezing the dough. You can bake fresh cookies as needed, which is perfectly convenient!

Pairing Ideas

These luscious cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of maple glaze, making your dessert experience even more indulgent. The sweet flavors really complement the rich, soft texture of the cookies.

FAQs

1. Can I use blackstrap molasses instead of regular molasses?
No, blackstrap molasses has a much stronger flavor and can make the cookies too bitter.

2. How do I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for about a week.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the rolled cookie dough balls. Just thaw before baking for fresh cookies.

4. What can I do if I don’t have ground cloves?
You can either omit ground cloves or substitute with more nutmeg or cinnamon based on what you prefer.

5. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that has a binding agent like xanthan gum.

These Seriously Soft Molasses Cookies not only delight the senses but also bring a heartwarming presence to any moment. They are a perfect blend of soft texture and rich flavor, ensuring that each bite feels like a warm hug. Whether enjoyed with family or shared with friends, these cookies make for a cherished treat that everyone will love. Consider making a double batch to keep the joy flowing longer — you won’t regret it!