There’s something about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house that just warms my heart! One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up on a chilly afternoon is these Soft and Chewy Molasses Cookies. I remember the first time I made them; it was a gloomy day, and I was just looking for anything to lift my spirits. The moment I took that first bite, it felt like I was wrapped in a cozy hug—it’s pure comfort in cookie form!
The unique blend of spices along with the rich sweetness of molasses makes these cookies stand out. They’re perfect for the holiday season but let’s be honest, who says you can’t enjoy them year-round? Let me take you through this simple yet satisfying recipe that will have your kitchen smelling like a bakery in no time!
What’s in Soft and Chewy Molasses Cookies?
- Unsalted butter: I love using unsalted butter here so I can better control the saltiness. Plus, it adds that rich, creamy texture to the cookies.
- Brown sugar: This adds the perfect amount of caramel-like sweetness and moisture, making these cookies irresistibly chewy.
- Molasses: The star of the show! Molasses gives these cookies their distinctive flavor and chewy texture. Don’t skimp on this one, trust me.
- Large egg: This binds everything together and contributes to that soft, chewy bite.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie! It helps create structure while keeping that lovely soft center.
- Baking soda: A must for leavening! This helps the cookies rise and achieve that delightful texture.
- Ground spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves): This mix of warm spices transforms your kitchen into a cozy aromatic haven. Cloves add that special kick!
- Salt: Just a touch to balance out the sweetness. It’s like a little secret ingredient that elevates the flavor!
- Granulated sugar: For rolling the cookies before baking, adding an extra lovely sweetness and sparkly appearance.
Are Soft and Chewy Molasses Cookies Good for You?
Well, let’s be real here—these cookies are definitely a treat! The molasses in them does have some health benefits; it’s packed with minerals like iron and calcium. And while brown sugar is slightly less processed than white sugar, we still want to enjoy these cookies in moderation. If you’re looking to lighten them up a bit, you can go half-and-half with granulated sugar and a sugar substitute (like coconut sugar) for a slightly healthier twist. Just know that they might change a bit in texture and flavor!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)
How to Make Soft and Chewy Molasses Cookies?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes, so don’t rush this step!
- Add in the molasses and egg, mixing until fully combined. Oh, the sweet smell of molasses is already heavenly!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Make a big ol’ flavorful cloud!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture—mix until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix here; we want soft cookies, not tough ones!
- Now, chill that dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This is the perfect time to clean up, sip some tea, and get excited!
- Once chilled, scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Roll the balls in granulated sugar to add extra sweetness and a fun sparkle.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie for them to spread out during baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm, but the centers remain soft. You’ll want to keep an eye on them; nobody wants burnt cookies!
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The smell will be irresistible—prepare for some serious cookie temptation!
Sweet Tips for the Perfect Cookies
- Feeling fancy? Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients for an extra layer of flavor!
- For storage, pop those cookies in an airtight container where they can last up to a week, but let’s be real—good luck keeping them around that long!
- Craving a warm drink? These cookies pair exceptionally well with a glass of cold milk or a cozy cup of hot tea—perfect for a chilly evening treat!
There you have it—these Soft and Chewy Molasses Cookies are incredibly easy to make and taste like a warm hug! I promise, once you take that first bite, you’ll feel all the nostalgia and warmth that this cookie brings. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how they turn out—I can’t wait to hear about your cookie adventures!
