Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe - The Cookie Rookie (VIDEO!) (2024)

Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe - The Cookie Rookie (VIDEO!) (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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Molasses Cookies are a holiday staple around our house. This recipe yields such chewy cookies, with warm spices and a delicious molasses flavor. They’re the perfect treat to fill your cookie jar!

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Table of Contents

Why We Love This Molasses Cookie Recipe

  • Tender. Vegetable shortening is the key to moist and soft cookies.
  • Chewy. Baking soda keeps these cookies soft and chewy and helps to cut the acidity of the molasses for a smooth flavor.
  • Flavorful. Light molasses has a mild and smooth flavor and texture; while cloves, ginger, and cinnamon add a warm and spicy element.

Variations on Chewy Molasses Cookies

There are so many ways to change up these classic cookies to better suit your individual tastes. You can adjust the amount of spices up or down for a more pronounced flavor, or try adding some cardamom, allspice, or black pepper for even more flavor.

Some citrus zest, dried fruits, or nuts can add a fun textural contrast, or try adding some white chocolate chips for an extra pop of sweetness.

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How to Store

Store leftover molasses cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

How to Freeze

These molasses cookies freeze beautifully and will keep for up to 1 month. Store them in an airtight container or Ziplock bag to maintain their freshness. You can enjoy them straight out of the freezer or let them come to room temperature first.

Serving Suggestions

I love these holiday spiced cookies with a warm glass of milk, oat milk, or eggnog for dunking. They’re also great slathered with some vanilla frosting.

What is the difference between molasses cookies and gingerbread cookies?

While both cookies are similar in flavor, molasses cookies are soft and chewy, while gingerbread cookies are crunchier and more shortbread-like. Gingerbread cookies are also cut-out cookies, while molasses cookies are rolled into balls.

What kind of molasses is best for cookies?

I generally use a lighter molasses in these cookies, but a dark, or “robust” molasses will enrich the flavor and color of the cookies. Steer clear of blackstrap molasses for this recipe; the flavor is very intense and may overpower your spices.

Why are my molasses cookies flat?

If your cookies turn out flat, it’s likely that your oven is too hot. I recommend investing in an oven thermometer, as ovens can be up to 25°F hotter or cooler than the stated temperature.

Why are my molasses cookies bitter?

If you use blackstrap molasses, it can certainly make your cookies bitter. They can also become bitter if too much baking soda is used. This recipe uses a lot of baking soda, but it is important to measure correctly to avoid adding too much.

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More Molasses Desserts To Try

  • Ginger Cookies
  • Hermit Cookies
  • Shoofly Pie
  • Gingerbread Loaf Cake
  • Oatmeal Cream Pies
  • Gingerbread Pudding Cake

5-Star Review

“Awesome. My fam ate him up and I had to make more than next day. Love these cookies.” – Jacq Kelley

Recipe

Molasses Cookies Recipe

4.85 from 20 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 10 minutes minutes

Total: 20 minutes minutes

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Serves24 cookies

Print Rate

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These Molasses Cookies smell and taste like Christmas. We absolutely love this soft and chewy cookie recipe to share with family during the holidays!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

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Ingredients

  • cups vegetable shortening 276 grams, melted (1½ sticks)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar 400 grams, plus more for rolling
  • ¼ cup unsulphured molasses 85 grams (see note)
  • 2 large eggs 100 grams, slightly beaten
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour 480 grams
  • 4 teaspoons baking soda 24 grams
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt 3 grams
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves 3 grams
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger 3 grams
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 6 grams

Recommended Equipment

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

  • Using a hand mixer, beat the melted shortening, sugar, and molasses together in a large bowl for 3 minutes.

    1½ cups vegetable shortening, 2 cups granulated sugar, ¼ cup unsulphured molasses

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  • Add the eggs and beat until well blended, about 2 minutes

    2 large eggs

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  • Combine all dry ingredients together in a medium bowl.

    4 cups all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

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  • Add the dry ingredients to the shortening/sugar mixture and beat until thoroughly blended.

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  • Let the cookie dough stand for 5-10 minutes.

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  • Roll into balls, then roll the balls into additional sugar (optional – my family prefers these without the sugar on top).

  • Place onto parchment-covered cookie sheets 3 inches apart and bake for 10-11 minutes, or until firm around the edges but not completely set.

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  • Place cookies on a cooling rack to cool completely.

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Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • Note: We used light molasses. A dark or “robust” molasses will enrich the flavor and color of the cookies. Steer clear of blackstrap molasses!
  • You can use half shortening and half butter if you like the flavor better.
  • Your eyes are not deceiving you; 4 teaspoons of baking soda is correct. This helps to cut the acidity of the molasses and prevents greasy, flat cookies. It also helps keep them soft and chewy!

Storage:Store soft molasses cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1cookie Calories: 270kcal (14%) Carbohydrates: 35g (12%) Protein: 3g (6%) Fat: 13g (20%) Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g Monounsaturated Fat: 5g Trans Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 16mg (5%) Sodium: 288mg (13%) Potassium: 82mg (2%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 19g (21%) Vitamin A: 23IU Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 15mg (2%) Iron: 1mg (6%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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How to Make Molasses Cookies Step by Step

Cream the Butter and Sugars: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a hand mixer, beat 1½ cups of melted shortening, 2 cups of granulated sugar, and ¼ cup of unsulphured molasses together in a large bowl for 3 minutes.

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Add the Eggs: Add 2 large eggs and beat until well blended, about 2 minutes.

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Whisk the Dry Ingredients: Combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon together in a medium bowl.

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Mix the Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the shortening/sugar mixture and beat until thoroughly blended.

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Rest the Dough: Let the cookie dough stand for 5-10 minutes.

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Roll the Dough: Roll into balls, then roll the balls into additional sugar (optional – my family prefers these without the sugar on top). Place onto parchment-covered cookie sheets 3 inches apart.

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Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes, or until firm around the edges but not completely set. Place cookies on a cooling rack to cool completely.

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Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe - The Cookie Rookie (VIDEO!) (2024)

FAQs

Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe - The Cookie Rookie (VIDEO!)? ›

If you enjoy your cookies soft and chewy, chances are likely the recipe contains a common ingredient that serves a very specific purpose. No, it's not granulated sugar, nor the butter. It's not the egg, all-purpose flour, or even the vanilla extract. The simple, yet oh-so-necessary component is cornstarch.

What is the secret ingredient to keep cookies soft? ›

If you enjoy your cookies soft and chewy, chances are likely the recipe contains a common ingredient that serves a very specific purpose. No, it's not granulated sugar, nor the butter. It's not the egg, all-purpose flour, or even the vanilla extract. The simple, yet oh-so-necessary component is cornstarch.

What makes cookies soft and fluffy? ›

Baking soda

When added to dough, baking soda releases a carbon dioxide gas which helps leaven the dough, creating a soft, fluffy cookie. Baking soda is generally used in recipes that contain an acidic ingredient such as vinegar, sour cream or citrus.

Why didn t my molasses cookies crack? ›

Why don't my molasses cookies crack? Molasses cookie dough won't have those signature cracks on top if the dough is too wet. The cracks happen when the surface of the dough dries up. Rolling in sugar really helps this because the sugar binds the moisture and dries out the dough.

Which molasses is best for cookies? ›

Light molasses is the sweetest and mildest out of the bunch because it is made from the first boiling cycle,” she said. “I like to use this type of molasses because it adds moisture to cookies, resulting in a soft and chewy texture.”

What is the secret to making cookies soft and chewy? ›

Cornstarch gives the cookies that ultra soft consistency we all love. Plus, it helps keep the cookies beautifully thick. We use the same trick when making shortbread cookies. Egg yolk: Another way to promise a super chewy chocolate chip cookie is to use an extra egg yolk.

Should I use baking soda or baking powder in cookies? ›

Baking soda is typically used for chewy cookies, while baking powder is generally used for light and airy cookies. Since baking powder is comprised of a number of ingredients (baking soda, cream of tartar, cornstarch, etc.), using it instead of pure baking soda will affect the taste of your cookies.

How do bakeries keep their cookies soft? ›

Corn Syrup (Light)

Light corn syrup is sometimes used in specialist cakes and confectioneries to help keep baked products soft and doughy for longer.

What is the best sugar for cookies? ›

In that role, white sugar aerates the dough when creamed with butter for thick and puffy cookies. Brown sugar, meanwhile, is dense and compacts easily, creating fewer air pockets during creaming—that means that there's less opportunity to entrap gas, creating cookies that rise less and spread more.

How do you soften molasses cookies? ›

Another way to soften cookies is by placing the cookies in an airtight container with a damp paper towel. The paper towel will release moisture and help to soften the cookies without making them too soft or mushy. Another way is to place the cookies in a plastic bag with a slice of apple or a damp tea towel.

What happens if you add too much molasses to cookies? ›

Doubling up on molasses softened the cookies significantly.

Molasses is also extremely dark in color, so this batch of cookies turned out to be a deep brown.

How do you know when molasses cookies are done? ›

Easy to Notice Signs:
  1. Golden Brown Edges – Check the edges of the cookies for a golden brown colour. This indicates that the cookies have caramelized and are likely done. ...
  2. Set Centres – Gently touch the centre of a cookie. ...
  3. Light Cracking – Look for light cracks on the surface of the cookies.
Oct 18, 2023

What is Grandma's molasses used in? ›

Original molasses: amber color, used to sweeten hot cereals, yogurts or hot drinks (like coffee, tea or cocoa). It's also used in gingerbreads, cookies, pies, cakes and glazes. Robust molasses: more concentrated with a richer flavor than Original; used in slow-cooked dishes like baked beans or barbeque sauce.

Is Grandma's Unsulphured molasses the same as blackstrap? ›

Unsulphured molasses can be light, dark or blackstrap, as long as it hasn't been treated with sulphur dioxide.

Can I skip molasses in cookies? ›

"Other substitutes include Sorghum syrup, and Treacle, an English version of molasses, you may find at an international market." Honey, dark corn syrup, and maple syrup can also be used to replace molasses in recipes.

How do you keep cookies soft for a long time? ›

Keep Them Sealed

The key to keeping cookies fresh and soft is to seal them in an airtight container, like a resealable freezer bag. And here's a nifty little trick: add a piece of bread to the bag.

Why do my cookies get hard after they cool? ›

Cookies begin losing moisture through evaporation from the moment that they come out of the oven. So it's totally normal for them to harden up a bit. Yet, this is why you need to store them in an airtight container once they completely cool or they will continue to lose moisture.

What makes cookies turn out hard? ›

the more you mix cookie dough. the more the gluten develops and they become hard and dry and an unfavorable texture. reason no 3 you're over baking them. make sure you take them out when they're just slightly golden brown.

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