Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies, and when they’re molasses cookies, it feels like you’ve stepped into a cozy kitchen filled with love and warmth. Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies are an all-time favorite in our family. Every time I make them, I’m reminded of the simple, joyful times spent in the kitchen with family. The combination of spices, sweetness, and that irresistible softness makes these cookies a true treat.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to put together. It doesn’t require any special equipment, just a few basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, an afternoon snack, or just to share with friends, these molasses cookies will never disappoint. Every bite is a soft, chewy delight, and I can’t tell you how many times my family has asked me to make these cookies again—there’s just no resisting them. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- ¼ cup full-flavor molasses
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside. - Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil and sugar until well combined. Stir in the molasses and the egg until everything is nicely blended. - Combine Everything:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this ensures your cookies stay soft. - Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is important to ensure the dough is firm and the cookies bake with a perfect chewy texture. - Preheat the Oven:
Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the cookies from sticking. - Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to give the cookies a lovely sparkle once they bake. - Bake:
Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. The edges will be lightly golden. - Cool Down:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll flatten slightly as they cool, creating that perfect soft, chewy texture.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: Makes about 36 cookies
- Calories per cookie: 96 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
How to Serve
These soft molasses cookies are perfect for any occasion, and here are a few ideas for how to serve them:
- With a cup of tea or coffee: The warm spices and chewy texture make them a great pairing for your afternoon tea or morning coffee.
- As a dessert for gatherings: Serve these cookies at your next family gathering or holiday event—they’re sure to be a crowd favorite.
- As a sweet snack: Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies are ideal for a mid-day snack when you’re craving something sweet.
- Pack them for lunchboxes: These cookies are great for lunchboxes and make an excellent treat for kids and adults alike.
Additional Tips
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can make your cookies dense instead of soft. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for the right texture. It makes the dough easier to handle and keeps the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Use room-temperature egg: Room-temperature eggs mix better into the dough and contribute to a smoother texture.
- Roll in sugar for a crisp edge: Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking helps create a subtle crunchy edge while keeping the center soft.
- Adjust the spices: If you like a stronger ginger flavor, you can increase the amount of ground ginger slightly. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra warm note.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need to make these cookies gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture soft.
- Dairy-Free Version: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the vegetable oil for coconut oil or another plant-based oil. Use dairy-free molasses if preferred.
- Add-ins: For added texture and flavor, consider folding in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or even white chocolate chips into the dough before chilling.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use a plant-based oil.
Serving Suggestions
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Sandwich them with frosting: Spread a little cream cheese frosting between two molasses cookies for a sweet and creamy treat.
- Pair with a milkshake: These cookies pair wonderfully with a classic vanilla or chocolate milkshake.
- In a cookie platter: If you’re hosting a party, include these soft molasses cookies as part of a holiday cookie platter.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the dough balls before baking. Simply place the rolled dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a Ziploc bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake the frozen dough balls directly from the freezer—just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- Storing Baked Cookies: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
- Can I make these cookies without molasses?
Molasses gives the cookies their signature flavor and moisture. If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with honey, maple syrup, or dark corn syrup, but the flavor may be slightly different. - How can I make these cookies spicier?
If you love a spicy kick, you can increase the amount of ground ginger, cinnamon, or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. - Can I make these cookies without sugar?
While sugar is essential for sweetness and texture, you can try a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-carb version. - Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much. It also enhances the flavor by letting the spices meld. - Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar for a richer flavor. It will add a slight molasses-like taste and make the cookies a little softer. - How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when they’re set at the edges but still slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool. - Can I make these cookies into bars instead of individual cookies?
Yes, you can press the dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes. - Can I add nuts to these cookies?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds are great additions to these cookies. - Why did my cookies spread too much?
This could be due to the dough not being chilled long enough or not using enough flour. Make sure to measure accurately and chill the dough for at least 2 hours. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust your baking time slightly if using more than one baking sheet.
Conclusion
These molasses cookies are a true comfort food, with the perfect balance of warmth, sweetness, and spice. Easy to make, and even easier to devour, they’re a family favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen as well. Whether you’re looking for a cozy treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or a dessert for a special occasion, Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies are sure to bring joy to everyone who tries them. So go ahead, bake up a