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The best Molasses Cookie Recipe makes cookies that are soft and chewy. They have a crackly top, a light dusting of sugar, and plenty of warm spices baked right in the dough.
My grandma made old-fashion molasses cookies every Christmas without fail because they were my grandpa’s favorite. And when they’re done right, Molasses Cookies could wind up being everyone’s favorite.
My favorite Molasses Cookies are soft and chewy, not hard and brittle, and sparkling from a dusting of sugar. The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves pair perfectly with the molasses, making the perfect blast-from-the past cookie that deserves a spot on all your future Christmas cookie plates.
Table of Contents
- Recipe ingredients
- Ingredient notes
- Step-by-step instructions
- Recipe tips and variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Molasses Cookie Recipe Recipe
Recipe ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
Ingredient notes
- Molasses: Look for light molasses (as opposed to blackstrap molasses). It has the lightest color and mildest, sweetest flavor of all the kinds of molasses. Brer Rabbit is a common brand.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set this separate bowl aside. In a stand mixer fit with the paddle attachment on medium speed, or with an electric mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and shortening until smooth.Add molasses and egg and beat until combined.
- Reduce speed to low and gradually add dry ingredients mixture. Cover and chill and chill the cookie dough at least 2 hours or up to 3 days in advance.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Place sugar in a shallow dish for rolling. Portion the dough and roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls, toss in sugar, and arrange at least 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten each cookie dough ball with a glass.
- Bake until the edges are set, about 8 to 12 minutes.
- Transfer to wire racks and cool completely.
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: This recipe makes about 36 chewy Molasses Cookies.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Or, if you live in a cold climate, store them in your cold garage or patio indefinitely.
- Make ahead: The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance (and performs best when it’s cold).
- Freezer: Form the dough into a disk, then label, date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Roll the dough balls in sugar just before baking.
- More mix-ins: While not traditional, white chocolate chips and vanilla extract are tasty additions to this molasses cookie recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does molasses do for cookies?
Molasses adds a distinct warm, spicy flavor to cookies and other baked goods. It also adds sweetness (molasses is a kind of sugar) and a trademark dark brown color.
What is the difference between molasses cookies and gingerbread cookies?
The difference between molasses cookies and gingerbread cookies is texture. Gingerbread Cookies are typically crunchy or brittle, while molasses cookies have a soft and chewy texture.
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Molasses Cookie Recipe
By Meggan Hill
The best Molasses Cookie Recipe makes cookies that are soft and chewy. They have a crackly top, a light dusting of sugar, and plenty of warm spices baked right in the dough.
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Servings 36 cookies
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 118
5 from 11 votes
ReviewPrint
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup butter softened (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar firmly packed
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 3/4 cup molasses (see note 1)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
In a standing mixer fit with the paddle attachment on medium speed, or with an electric mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and shortening until smooth.Add molasses and egg and beat until combined.
Reduce speed to low and gradually add flour mixture. Cover and chill at least 2 hours or up to 3 days in advance.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Place sugar in a shallow dish for rolling.
Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls, toss in sugar, and arrange at least 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten with a glass.
Bake until the edges are set, about 8 to 12 minutes. Transfer to wire racks and cool completely.
Notes
- Molasses: Look for light molasses (as opposed to blackstrap). It has the lightest color and mildest, sweetest flavor of all the kinds of molasses.
- Yield: This recipe makes about 36 Molasses Cookies.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Or, if you live in a cold climate, store them in your cold garage or patio indefinitely.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 cookieCalories: 118kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 73mgPotassium: 121mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 86IUVitamin C: 0.003mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg
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Meggan Hill
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Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.
