Spiced Molasses Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Spiced molasses cookies are a delightful treat bursting with warm spices and rich molasses flavor. These chewy cookies are perfect for cozy evenings or holiday gatherings, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the molasses and the egg until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough into balls, then roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat.
7. Step 7: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Step 8: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookie edges are set but the centers remain soft.
9. Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting as they cool.
• You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
• Add a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
• Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh slightly, warm cookies in a low oven for a few minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use light molasses instead of regular molasses?

Yes, light molasses will work well and produce a milder flavor, while regular molasses offers a richer, more robust taste.

What can I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is not too soft or melted, chill the dough before baking, and avoid flattening the dough balls before placing them on the baking sheet.

Spiced Molasses Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 460 reviews

Spiced Molasses Cookies are soft and chewy treats infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, balanced by the rich sweetness of molasses. These classic cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations, offering a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors baked to a tender finish.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 large egg

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

For Rolling

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring good incorporation for a tender cookie texture.
3. Add molasses and egg: Beat in the molasses followed by the large egg, mixing well to create a smooth, cohesive wet mixture that provides moisture and flavor depth.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
5. Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which could make cookies tough.
6. Form dough balls and coat: Shape the dough into small balls and then roll each ball in granulated sugar for a sweet, crisp coating that contrasts nicely with the soft interior.
7. Arrange on baking sheets: Place the sugared dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading while baking.
8. Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, giving you a chewy texture.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, ensuring they hold their shape and texture.

Notes

• For a deeper molasses flavor, use robust or blackstrap molasses.
• Do not overbake; cookies continue to firm up while cooling.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• These cookies freeze well; freeze unbaked dough balls and bake fresh when desired.
• For extra spice, sprinkle a little ground nutmeg in the dry ingredients.

Keywords: spiced molasses cookies, ginger cookies, holiday cookies, chewy molasses cookies, cinnamon cookies, molasses dessert