Super Soft Molasses Cookies

Introduction

Super Soft Molasses Cookies are the quintessential cookie that brings a comforting sense of nostalgia with every bite. With their rich molasses flavor and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, these cookies evoke cozy memories of winter holidays and family gatherings. The soft, chewy texture makes them irresistible, and they practically melt in your mouth, which is why they’re perfect for dunking in a glass of milk or pairing with a warm cup of tea.

I love making these cookies during the holiday season, but honestly, they’re so delicious that I whip up a batch any time of year! The smell of them baking fills the house with an inviting aroma that makes it hard to resist sneaking a taste before they’ve even cooled. What I adore about this recipe is how easy it is—mixing up the dough takes hardly any time, and the end result is always a hit with family and friends.

One of my fondest memories is baking these cookies with my grandmother. She taught me the importance of taking the time to enjoy the process, whether it’s measuring out the spices or rolling the dough into perfect little balls. These cookies are not just a treat; they represent a warm tradition that I love to share. Once you try this easy recipe, I’m sure it will become your go-to for cozy gatherings or just when you want to treat yourself to something wonderfully comforting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Super Soft Molasses Cookies will be a favorite in your kitchen:

• Incredibly Soft Texture: Each bite melts in your mouth, thanks to the soft, chewy consistency.
• Perfectly Spiced: With cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, these cookies have the perfect level of warm spice.
• Classic Flavor: Rich molasses gives these cookies a nostalgic, old-fashioned taste.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies quick and easy.
• Holiday Favorite: These cookies are ideal for holiday baking and gift-giving.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, they’re a treat for everyone.
• Great for Freezing: Make a big batch and freeze some for later!
• Beautifully Crackled Tops: The cookies develop a gorgeous crackled top, adding visual appeal.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice levels to your preference.
• Aromatic and Cozy: Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbohydrates: 18g, Fat: 5g, Protein: 1g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your Super Soft Molasses Cookies:

For the Cookies:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

• Molasses: Adds a deep, rich flavor and soft texture to the cookies.
• Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves bring the warm, aromatic flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances the softness and adds a slight caramel undertone.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare Super Soft Molasses Cookies:

Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla: Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain softness.
2. Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help prevent spreading during baking.

Shape and Bake

1. Form Balls: Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
2. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place cookie balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crackled.
4. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Enjoy your Super Soft Molasses Cookies in these delicious ways:

• With a Glass of Milk: Dunk in a glass of cold milk for a classic combination.
• With Hot Tea or Coffee: Perfect for pairing with a warm beverage on a chilly day.
• As a Holiday Dessert: Include in your holiday cookie platter for a festive treat.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• With Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting on each cookie for added richness.
• As a Gift: Wrap in a decorative bag and give as a homemade gift during the holidays.
• With Warm Apple Cider: Pair with warm cider for a comforting fall treat.
• In a Cookie Sandwich: Place a layer of frosting between two cookies for a delicious sandwich.
• With Spiced Hot Chocolate: Enjoy with hot chocolate for an extra dose of warmth and coziness.
• As a Topping for Pies or Cakes: Crumble cookies over desserts for a crunchy topping.

Additional Tips

Make the most of your Super Soft Molasses Cookies with these tips:

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough prevents spreading and helps maintain the shape.
• Avoid Overbaking: Bake until the edges are set but the centers are still soft for the best texture.
• Customize the Spice Level: Add more cinnamon, ginger, or cloves to suit your taste.
• Use Unsulfured Molasses: Avoid blackstrap molasses, which is too bitter for this recipe.
• Add a Hint of Orange: Zest a small orange into the dough for a subtle citrus flavor.
• Roll in Coarse Sugar: For a sparkly effect, roll the dough in coarse sugar.
• Add White Chocolate Chips: Mix in white chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness.
• Freeze Dough Balls: Freeze unbaked cookie balls for easy, fresh-baked cookies whenever you want.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs mix more smoothly for a soft, even texture.

Recipe Variations

Change up your Super Soft Molasses Cookies with these variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
• Ginger-Lemon Twist: Add lemon zest and extra ginger for a fresh, zesty flavor.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute vegan butter and a flax egg to make the cookies vegan-friendly.
• Add Nuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free cookies.
• Drizzle with Icing: Add a light glaze of powdered sugar icing for a sweeter finish.
• Maple-Molasses Combo: Substitute part of the molasses with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
• Double the Spice: For an extra-spicy kick, double the spices in the recipe.
• Molasses Snickerdoodles: Roll the dough in cinnamon sugar for a snickerdoodle effect.
• Pumpkin Spice Variation: Add pumpkin pie spice in place of individual spices for a seasonal touch.

Freezing and Storage

Store Super Soft Molasses Cookies properly to enjoy them later:

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze fully baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
• Freezing Dough Balls: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Special Equipment

Prepare these tools for making Super Soft Molasses Cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: For mixing the dough.
• Electric Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer works well to cream butter and sugar.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl.
• Cookie Scoop: Helps portion dough evenly for uniform cookies.
• Baking Sheets: Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents cookies from sticking.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly.
• Whisk: For mixing dry ingredients.
• Airtight Container: For storing cookies and keeping them fresh.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use blackstrap molasses?
   No, blackstrap molasses is too bitter for this recipe. Use regular molasses for the best flavor.
2. How can I make these cookies chewier?
   Add an extra tablespoon of molasses or brown sugar to increase chewiness.
3. Can I substitute butter with margarine?
   Yes, but butter provides the best flavor and texture for these cookies.
4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
   Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
5. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough balls and bake them directly from frozen.
6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
7. Why did my cookies turn out flat?
   This could happen if the butter was too warm. Chilling the dough helps maintain shape.
8. What type of sugar should I roll the cookies in?
   Granulated sugar works best, but you can use coarse sugar for extra texture.
9. How do I make a thicker cookie?
   Add a bit more flour to the dough and ensure it’s chilled before baking.
10. Can I add icing or glaze?
    Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.

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Conclusion

Super Soft Molasses Cookies are a timeless, comforting treat that combines classic flavors with a deliciously soft texture. These cookies, rich in warm spices and the deep sweetness of molasses, are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying a cozy moment at home. The ease of preparation makes them a favorite among both novice and experienced bakers alike, ensuring that anyone can create these delightful cookies.

As you bake, your kitchen will fill with a wonderful aroma that evokes the nostalgia of cherished memories. Each bite of these cookies offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, complemented by a hint of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Their chewy yet tender consistency makes them universally loved, appealing to both young and old.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create something special! I can’t wait to see how your Super Soft Molasses Cookies turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!