Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe – Just Like Home

Sweet memories flood back when I whip up these molasses cookies that instantly transport me to grandma’s cozy kitchen.

Warm spices and rich, deep molasses create a nostalgic treat that feels like a comforting hug.

My grandmother’s secret recipe combines simple ingredients with tender loving care.

Each cookie tells a story of generations past, baked with patience and love.

Golden-edged and perfectly chewy, these morsels melt in you mouth with their subtle sweetness.

Crisp edges give way to an impossibly soft center that beckons you to take another bite.

Trust me, one taste and you’ll understand why these cookies have been a family favorite for decades.

Grandma’s Soft Molasses Cookies That Feel Like a Hug

• Recreate a treasured family recipe passed down through generations, bringing warm memories and traditional baking magic to your kitchen.
• Whip up these delightful cookies in under 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
• Experience incredibly soft, pillowy cookies with a perfect chew and crackly sugar-coated exterior that melts in your mouth with rich molasses warmth.
• Suitable for holiday gatherings, weekend treats, or casual afternoon snacks, these cookies appeal to both kids and adults with their classic, comforting flavor profile.

Ingredients That Make Grandma’s Molasses Cookies Special

• Butter: Soft and creamy base that gives rich flavor and tender texture. Room temperature is best for easy mixing.
• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and adds moisture to the cookie dough.
• Molasses: Deep, dark sweetener with robust flavor that gives cookies their signature taste. Dark molasses provides more intense flavor.

• Flour: Provides structure and helps cookies hold their shape. All-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens cookies and helps create crisp edges. White sugar preferred for classic texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread during baking. Fresh baking soda ensures proper leavening.

• Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves: Warm spices that create classic molasses cookie flavor profile. Ground spices are recommended for even distribution.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness. Fine table salt or kosher salt works well.

How to Make Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats for a smooth cookie adventure.

Step 2: Whip Up Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer and blend softened butter with granulated sugar. Whip them together until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks light and dreamy.

Step 3: Merge Wet Components

Crack in an egg and pour molasses into the buttery mixture. Beat everything until it becomes a smooth, well-combined liquid gold.

Step 4: Blend Dry Elements

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Cloves
• Salt

Swirl these ingredients together until they’re perfectly mixed.

Step 5: Create Cookie Dough

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until a soft, tender dough emerges.

Step 6: Shape Delightful Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized dough balls. Roll each one in granulated sugar for a sparkling exterior. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each sweet treasure.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the trays into the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cookie edges look set but centers remain soft. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. Get ready to bite into pure comfort!

Tips That Keep Molasses Cookies Moist and Chewy

• Select Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, egg, and molasses are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
• Prevent Overmixing Dough: Gently combine dry and wet ingredients just until incorporated to maintain soft, tender cookies without developing tough gluten.
• Master Sugar Rolling Technique: Generously coat cookie dough balls in granulated sugar for a delightful crispy exterior and beautiful crackled surface.
• Control Baking Time Carefully: Watch cookies closely and remove from oven when edges are set but centers remain slightly soft to guarantee chewy, moist results.
• Store for Maximum Freshness: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing a slice of bread to maintain softness and prevent hardening.

Storing Soft Molasses Cookies for Maximum Freshness

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying their soft, chewy texture.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated 300F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their original warmth and softness.

Drinks That Go Well with Grandma’s Molasses Cookies

• Molasses Cookies
• Pair these soft, spicy cookies with a hot cup of chai tea or robust black coffee. The warm, aromatic spices in the drink will beautifully complement the cookie's rich molasses and warming spice profile.
• Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream. The cool, smooth texture creates a delightful contrast to the cookie's warm, chewy texture and deepens the dessert experience.
• Match with a glass of sweet dessert wine like port or moscato. The wine's sweetness echoes the cookie's caramel-like undertones while providing a sophisticated adult twist to the classic treat.
• Enjoy with mulled cider during fall and winter months. The spiced cider's warmth and subtle apple notes will enhance the cookie's cozy, nostalgic flavor profile.

Classic Twists to Try on Soft Molasses Cookies

• Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend made from rice, almond, or coconut flour to accommodate those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Molasses Delight: Swap butter for coconut oil, use a flax egg or applesauce instead of regular eggs, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based for a compassionate version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the classic molasses cookie flavor profile.
• Spiced Nutty Version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough, enhancing texture and bringing a rich, toasted element to the traditional recipe.

Grandmas Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Grandma’s irresistibly soft molasses cookies bring warm holiday memories to life with their rich, spicy sweetness. Hearty ingredients and classic baking techniques create a nostalgic treat that connects generations through delightful, comforting flavors you’ll cherish.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) unsulfured molasses
• 1 large egg

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Coating:

• Granulated sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for optimal cookie performance.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously cream softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture achieves a light, airy consistency, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate the egg and molasses into the butter-sugar mixture, blending thoroughly until a uniform texture emerges.
4. Create a separate bowl for dry ingredients, meticulously whisking flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
5. Slowly integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, gently folding until a cohesive, soft dough forms without overmixing.
6. Craft uniform cookie portions by scooping tablespoon-sized dough and rolling into smooth spheres, then generously coat each ball in granulated sugar for a sparkling exterior.
7. Arrange sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, positioning them with sufficient spacing to allow for potential spreading during baking.
8. Place cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching carefully to achieve set edges while maintaining a tender, soft center.
9. Remove cookies from oven and allow them to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, enabling initial stabilization before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

• Select room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
• Use robust, high-quality molasses for deeper, richer flavor complexity.
• Roll cookies in coarse sugar for extra crunch and sparkling appearance.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain cookie shape.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg