Soft Molasses Cookies: The Ultimate Chewy, Spiced Classic for Every Season
Few baked goods capture the warmth and nostalgia of home quite like Soft Molasses Cookies. Their deep caramel flavor, rich aroma of warm spices, and irresistibly chewy texture make them a beloved classic—especially during the holiday season. But these cookies aren’t just for winter. They’re comforting any time of year, effortlessly bridging the gap between cozy cold-weather baking and year-round treat-making.
Whether you grew up enjoying old-fashioned molasses cookies from your grandmother’s tin or you’re baking them for the first time, this recipe delivers everything you want: soft centers, lightly crisped edges, and a warm medley of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove in every bite. With their signature crackled tops and deep amber hue, Soft Molasses Cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
This article breaks down everything you need to create the perfect batch—ingredients, technique, variations, expert tips, and even creative ways to serve them. By the end, you’ll be ready to bake bakery-quality molasses cookies right in your own kitchen.
Why Soft Molasses Cookies Are So Loved
Soft Molasses Cookies hold a special place in traditional American baking. Historically, molasses was a common sweetener in the 18th and 19th centuries because it was cheaper and more accessible than granulated sugar. As a result, molasses-based baked goods became staples in homes across the United States—particularly in New England.
Molasses cookies have a distinctive personality:
- They’re deeply flavorful, thanks to their dark sugar base.
- They’re soft and chewy, not crispy or crumbly like other spice cookies.
- They’re warm and aromatic, thanks to classic baking spices.
- They feel comforting and nostalgic, like something you’d get from a family recipe box.
Today, these cookies remain holiday favorites, appearing at Christmas parties, winter gatherings, cookie swaps, and cozy nights by the fireplace. But because the recipe is simple, fast, and inexpensive, Soft Molasses Cookies are a fantastic year-round bake.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This version of Soft Molasses Cookies is designed for the home baker who wants the perfect combination of chewiness, flavor depth, and consistency. A carefully balanced blend of molasses, brown sugar, warm spices, and butter gives these cookies their signature softness and aroma.
Some standout characteristics of this recipe include:
1. Soft & Puffy Texture
These cookies remain soft for days thanks to the molasses and brown sugar, which lock in moisture. A short baking time also ensures the centers stay pillowy and tender.
2. Spiced but Not Overpowering
The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves provide warm holiday flavor without taking over the entire profile.
3. Easy to Make
There’s no chilling time required, though you can chill the dough for thicker cookies if desired.
4. Great for Gifting
Their long-lasting softness and rich aroma make them ideal for holiday cookie boxes, teacher gifts, party platters, and bake sales.
Ingredients for Soft Molasses Cookies
Below is everything needed to make the perfect Soft Molasses Cookies. Each ingredient contributes something essential—texture, flavor, or balance.
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – Creates structure while keeping the cookies tender.
- Baking powder & baking soda – Provide lift and softness.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the spices.
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves – Infuse warm holiday flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps create a soft bite.
- Brown sugar – Makes the cookies chewy with a caramel undertone.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
- Vanilla extract – Complements the spices.
- Molasses – The star ingredient, creating depth, moisture, and color.
Ingredients (List Format)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp cloves (optional)
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.75 cup molasses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cream butter and sugar. Beat butter and brown sugar until light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add egg, vanilla, and molasses. Mix until smooth and glossy.
- Combine mixture. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Scoop dough. Drop rounded spoonfuls (or use a cookie scoop) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake. Cook for 10–12 minutes, or until cookies are puffy, soft, and slightly crackled on top.
- Cool. Let rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Soft Molasses Cookies
1. Don’t Overbake
The magic of a soft molasses cookie is in its slightly underbaked center. Remove them while still puffy; they will set as they cool.
2. Chill for Thicker Cookies
If you prefer a thicker, more domed cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
3. Add Sugar Rolling for Crinkle Tops
Roll dough balls in granulated sugar before baking for a sparkly crackled finish.
4. Use High-Quality Molasses
Unsulfured molasses gives the best flavor—avoid blackstrap, which can be too bitter for cookies.
5. Add Fresh Ginger for Punch
Mix 1 tsp grated fresh ginger into the wet ingredients for a vibrant kick.
Variations to Try
Gingerbread Molasses Cookies
Increase cinnamon, add ginger, and coat in sugar for a classic holiday twist.
Molasses Sandwich Cookies
Pair two cookies with cinnamon cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream.
Chocolate Molasses Cookies
Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips for a rich, gooey variation.
Gluten-Free
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to keep the texture soft and chewy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with milk, coffee, or spiced tea.
- Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a fall dessert.
- Add to holiday cookie platters for a soft-textured contrast to crispy treats.
- Wrap in bakery parchment and twine for thoughtful edible gifts.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store at room temperature for 5–6 days.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- Freeze dough balls separately to bake fresh cookies anytime.
Soft Molasses Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with apple cider, until a soft batter forms.
- Drop batter onto baking sheets using a scoop, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until set and lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Beat softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla. Add cream to reach desired filling consistency.
- Sandwich cookies with filling, serve immediately or store in airtight container.
