There’s something undeniably comforting about a soft and chewy molasses spice cookie. These cookies are packed with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, making them a perfect treat for chilly days. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies bring a delightful balance of sweetness and spice.
Molasses not only gives these cookies their deep, rich flavor but also contributes to their soft and chewy texture. Combined with brown sugar and warm spices, these cookies have a depth of flavor that is truly irresistible. Rolling them in granulated sugar before baking gives them a slight crunch on the outside while keeping the inside perfectly tender.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a batch of homemade cookies ready in about 30 minutes. They fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma that feels like a warm hug.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for a foolproof recipe, these molasses spice cookies are sure to become a favorite. Serve them fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container for a treat that stays soft for days.
Servings and Timing
Makes: About 24 cookies
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated. The dough will be thick.
- Shape and roll: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and coat them in granulated sugar. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve and enjoy: These cookies are perfect on their own or enjoyed with a warm drink.
Variations
- Add chocolate chips: For a unique twist, mix in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the spices.
- Spiced sugar coating: Mix a little cinnamon or nutmeg into the granulated sugar for an extra flavor boost.
- Glazed version: Drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a touch of sweetness.
- Crispier cookies: Bake for an extra 1-2 minutes if you prefer a crispier texture.
Tips
- Use fresh spices: The fresher your spices, the more flavorful your cookies will be.
- Don’t overbake: These cookies may look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Chill the dough (optional): If your dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling. This also helps intensify the flavors.
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
These soft and chewy molasses spice cookies are the perfect balance of warmth, sweetness, and spice. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or simply craving a cozy treat, this recipe is a must-try!
