Irresistibly Soft & Chewy Bakery Style Molasses Cookies Recipe

Molasses cookies have long been a cherished bakery-style treat that instantly transports you to cozy kitchen memories.

Warm spices and rich, deep flavors make these soft delights irresistible.

Grandmothers across generations have perfected this classic recipe, passing down secrets of perfectly chewy texture.

Sweet molasses creates a distinctive caramel-like undertone that sets these cookies apart from ordinary sweets.

Subtle hints of cinnamon and ginger dance through each bite, promising comfort in every mouthful.

These cookies invite you to slow down and savor a moment of pure, nostalgic bliss.

One taste, and you’ll understand why these bakery-style molasses cookies have become a timeless favorite.

What’s Special About Molasses Cookies

• Quick and foolproof method to create professional-quality treats with minimal effort.
• Warm, aromatic blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves delivers a rich, comforting flavor profile that feels like a cozy hug.
• Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these molasses cookies perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.

Molasses Cookies Ingredient Breakdown

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure for the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
• Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves: Adds warm, spicy depth to the cookie flavor.

• Butter: Creates rich, tender texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel-like sweetness.
• Molasses: Gives signature deep flavor and chewiness.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides additional warm flavor.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates a sweet, sparkling exterior for the cookies.

Molasses Cookies Baking Instructions

Step 1: Whisk Dry Components

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until perfectly blended.

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend softened butter and brown sugar.

Whip these ingredients until they become light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquid Elements

Add egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture.

Beat these ingredients until the mixture looks smooth and completely integrated.

Step 4: Merge Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly introduce the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Mix on low speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms.

Be gentle to avoid overmixing the dough.

Step 5: Chill Cookie Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic and place it in the refrigerator.

Let it rest for a minimum of 1 hour.

This resting period helps develop deeper flavors and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Station

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 7: Shape Delightful Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough.

Roll each into a perfect ball, then coat generously with granulated sugar.

Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven.

Bake for 8-10 minutes.

The cookies will look slightly soft in the center – this is exactly what you want.

They’ll firm up as they cool down.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Your bakery-style molasses cookies are ready to devour!

Tips for Soft Molasses Cookies

• Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least an hour to develop deeper, richer flavors and prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Roll cookies in granulated sugar just before baking to create a sparkling, crisp exterior that adds delightful texture and sweetness.
• Remove cookies when they appear slightly underbaked in the center, as they'll continue firming up while cooling, ensuring a soft, chewy texture.
• Experiment with fresh ground spices like cardamom or nutmeg to personalize the cookie's warm, comforting flavor profile without compromising the recipe's integrity.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing a slice of bread inside to maintain their incredible softness and prevent drying out.

Store Molasses Cookies the Right Way

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain softness and prevent staleness.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.
• Layer completely cooled cookies between wax paper in sealed freezer container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Keep cookies in sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Place small piece of bread inside container to help maintain moisture and prevent cookies from drying out.

Great Pairings for Molasses Cookies

• Savor Warm Spiced Tea Companion: Brew a fragrant chai or ginger tea that echoes the cookie's warm spices, creating a harmonious flavor connection that enhances the molasses cookie's rich depth.
• Complement with Creamy Vanilla Delight: Pair these soft cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a smooth vanilla custard, letting the cool creaminess balance the cookie's deep, spicy warmth.
• Match with Bold Coffee Experience: Select a robust dark roast coffee or espresso to cut through the cookie's sweetness, providing a strong counterpoint that highlights the molasses and spice undertones.
• Elevate with Caramel Drizzle Pairing: Add a light drizzle of salted caramel sauce on the side, which amplifies the cookie's brown sugar and molasses notes, creating a luxurious tasting experience.

Different Styles of Molasses Cookies

• Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same soft and chewy texture while making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Spiced Cookies: Replace butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, and opt for plant-based brown sugar to create a dairy-free and egg-free version of the classic molasses cookie.
• Low-Sugar Molasses Treats: Swap regular brown sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the rich, warm spice profile of the original recipe.
• Protein-Packed Molasses Rounds: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the dry ingredients, boosting nutritional value and creating a more substantial cookie for health-conscious bakers.

FAQs

• Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling helps prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking, concentrates the flavors, and creates a more tender texture by allowing flour to absorb moisture evenly.

• Can I use blackstrap molasses for this recipe?

No, blackstrap molasses is too strong and bitter. Use regular unsulphured molasses for the best flavor balance in these cookies.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly underbaked centers and slightly cracked tops. The edges should be set but the middle should still look soft. They’ll continue firming up while cooling.

• Is it necessary to roll the cookies in sugar before baking?

Yes, rolling in granulated sugar creates a beautiful crackly exterior, adds a subtle crunch, and gives the cookies that classic bakery-style appearance and sweet sparkly finish.

Bakery Style Molasses Cookies (Soft & Chewy) Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Molasses cookies from Grandma’s kitchen bring warmth and nostalgia with each spiced, chewy bite. Richly flavored with deep caramel notes, these classic treats promise comfort and sweet memories you’ll savor with every delightful crumb.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 2 1/4 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) unsulfured molasses

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (66 grams) granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sift the dry components including flour, salt, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves into a medium mixing vessel, then set aside for later integration.
2. Utilize an electric mixer to blend softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy texture, approximately 2-3 minutes of continuous blending.
3. Incorporate the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, whisking until the composition appears smooth and completely unified.
4. Gradually fold the previously sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using low-speed mixing to create a tender, cohesive dough without overworking the batter.
5. Encase the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
6. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
7. Craft uniform dough balls approximately one tablespoon in size, rolling each sphere generously in granulated sugar and positioning them two inches apart on the prepared sheets.
8. Slide the cookie-laden sheets into the preheated oven, baking for 8-10 minutes until edges appear set but centers remain slightly tender.
9. Rest the freshly baked cookies on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach complete structural stability before serving.

Notes

• Chilling the dough helps develop deeper, richer molasses flavor and prevents cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
• Rolling cookies in granulated sugar creates a delightful crackly exterior and adds a subtle sweet crunch that complements the warm spices.
• Slightly underbaking ensures ultra-soft, bakery-style texture that remains chewy and moist even after cooling completely.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurements and baking instructions.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg