Molasses Cookies

Molasses Cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced with warm flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. They have that rich, deep sweetness from molasses that gives them their signature taste and a slightly crisp edge that melts into a tender center. I love making these cookies during the colder months, especially around the holidays—but honestly, they’re so good, I bake them all year round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies combine cozy spices and a rich molasses flavor into something that feels both nostalgic and irresistible. They’re soft and chewy, with just enough crispness on the outside to make each bite satisfying. The dough is easy to work with, and the cookies bake up beautifully every time. Whether I’m making them for gifting, dessert trays, or just a sweet treat at home, these cookies are always a hit.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking soda

• Ground cinnamon

• Ground ginger

• Ground cloves

• Salt

• Unsalted butter, softened

• Granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)

• Egg

• Molasses

• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.

3. In another bowl, I cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. I add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until smooth.

5. I gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

6. I roll the dough into small balls and coat them in extra granulated sugar.

7. I place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.

8. I bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked.

9. I let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time (optional for thicker cookies): 30 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25–40 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add a pinch of black pepper for a little heat, or I mix in chopped crystallized ginger for extra chew and spice. If I want a crispier cookie, I flatten the dough balls slightly before baking. For a festive twist, I drizzle them with a simple glaze or sandwich two cookies with cream cheese frosting for molasses cookie sandwiches.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and chewy if I keep a slice of bread in the container. If I want to freeze them, I do so after baking and cooling—just place them in a freezer-safe bag and thaw at room temperature when I’m ready to enjoy. The dough also freezes well if I want to bake fresh cookies later.

FAQs

What type of molasses should I use?

I use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor—it’s rich and sweet without being bitter. I avoid blackstrap molasses, which is too strong and bitter for cookies.

Can I make these cookies crisp instead of chewy?

Yes, I bake them a couple of minutes longer or flatten the dough balls slightly before baking to get a crispier texture.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling is optional but helpful if I want thicker cookies with less spreading. When I have the time, I let the dough chill for 30 minutes.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, dark brown sugar adds even more molasses flavor and moisture. I sometimes use it for a richer cookie.

Are molasses cookies the same as ginger snaps?

Not exactly—ginger snaps are typically crisp and spicy, while molasses cookies are soft, chewy, and slightly more mellow in flavor.

Conclusion

Molasses Cookies are one of those timeless, comforting treats I can’t get enough of. With their soft texture, spiced flavor, and deep molasses sweetness, they bring warmth to every bite. Whether I’m baking them for a holiday tray or just because I want something cozy and homemade, they always deliver—and they never last long once they’re out of the oven.

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