These Soft and Chewy Molasses Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for cozy fall days or holiday gatherings. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves with rich, dark molasses creates a comforting flavor reminiscent of classic gingerbread. The cookies are tender and soft on the inside, with slightly crisp edges, giving them an irresistible texture. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee and are sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Easy to make, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus ¼ cup for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, followed by the molasses and vanilla extract, until fully combined.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape and Roll: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in the reserved ¼ cup of granulated sugar until well-coated.
- Bake: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- For an extra soft and chewy texture, slightly underbake the cookies, allowing them to firm up as they cool.
- To add a festive touch, you can roll the dough in a mix of granulated sugar and a pinch of cinnamon before baking.
