Molasses cookies are a beloved classic, known for their warm, spicy flavor and soft, chewy texture. Originating in the United States, these cookies are often associated with the holiday season, though they are perfect for any time of year. The rich sweetness of molasses combined with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates a comforting, aromatic experience. With a slightly crispy exterior and a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth center, these cookies never fail to please.
Their cultural significance goes beyond just being a treat; they are often made to celebrate festive occasions, shared with family and friends, and enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply craving something sweet, molasses cookies are the perfect choice.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own molasses cookies:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1 tsp ground ginger
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½ tsp ground cloves
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¼ tsp salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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¼ cup molasses
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Additional sugar for rolling cookies
Possible substitutions:
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Butter: You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
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Flour: If you need a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
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Molasses: You can use honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will change.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
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Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
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Add egg and molasses: Beat in the egg and molasses until fully combined.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not over-mix.
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Form dough balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in sugar to coat evenly.
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Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm, but the centers are still soft. Allow to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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Enjoy: Let the cookies cool completely before serving or storing.
Common mistakes to avoid:
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Overmixing the dough can result in dense cookies.
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Baking for too long can make the cookies crispy instead of chewy.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
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Use room temperature butter: This helps the butter cream more easily with the sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
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Don’t overbake: These cookies should have a slightly soft center when you pull them out of the oven. They’ll continue cooking as they cool on the baking sheet.
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Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the dough easier to handle.
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Rolling the dough in sugar: This step gives the cookies their signature sparkle and adds a crunchy texture to the outer layer.
Variations and Customizations
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Vegan version: Use a flax egg and dairy-free butter to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
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Gluten-free version: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it has xanthan gum for structure.
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Spicy molasses cookies: Add extra ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
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Chocolate chips: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips for a fun twist on this classic cookie.
Serving Suggestions
Molasses cookies are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:
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Milk: The creaminess of milk complements the spicy sweetness of the cookies.
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Tea or Coffee: A hot beverage like black tea or coffee enhances the flavors of the cookies.
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Ice cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent treat.
For a festive touch, try serving these cookies on a decorative plate with some cinnamon sticks or sprigs of fresh rosemary.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for one molasses cookie:
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Calories: 150
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Protein: 1g
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Carbohydrates: 22g
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Fat: 7g
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Fiber: 0g
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Sugar: 10g
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Sodium: 85mg
This nutritional breakdown may vary depending on the exact ingredients used, such as butter or substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it into balls. -
How do I store molasses cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. -
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes, feel free to add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for some extra crunch. -
Why are my cookies flat?
If your cookies are too flat, it could be due to the butter being too soft or the dough not being chilled. Make sure the butter is just softened, not melted, and try chilling the dough before baking.
Closing Thoughts
Molasses cookies are a warm, comforting treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering or just a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to delight everyone who tries them. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors or share your unique variations! Have fun baking, and remember to enjoy the process as much as the delicious results.
