There is something deeply comforting about a bakery style molasses cookie. One bite instantly transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of warm spices, butter, and rich molasses gently caramelizing in the oven. These cookies are thick, soft, slightly crisp on the edges, and irresistibly chewy in the center—just like the oversized cookies you find behind the glass case at your favorite bakery.

Unlike thin or overly crunchy versions, these soft chewy molasses cookies are designed to stay tender for days. They boast dramatic cracks on top, a generous coating of sugar that sparkles when baked, and a deep, complex flavor thanks to molasses and a classic blend of spices. Whether you are baking for the holidays, a cookie exchange, or simply craving something nostalgic with your afternoon coffee, this recipe delivers consistent, bakery-quality results every single time.

Molasses cookies have a long history in American baking, particularly in autumn and winter when warming spices feel most appropriate. This version stays true to tradition while using modern baking techniques to ensure thickness, softness, and that unmistakable bakery-style appearance.

Why You’ll Love These Bakery Style Molasses Cookies

Soft and chewy texture that stays fresh for days
Bold molasses flavor balanced with warm spices
Thick, bakery-style appearance with crackled tops
Perfect for holidays, cookie trays, and gifting
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients

These cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, making them universally loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
0.5 tsp ground cloves
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
0.25 cup unsulphured molasses
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.25 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Mix in the molasses until fully incorporated and smooth.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a thick dough forms. Do not overmix.
Scoop dough into large balls (about 2 tablespoons each). Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat generously.
Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look soft and slightly puffed.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

The Secret to True Bakery-Style Molasses Cookies

What separates average cookies from bakery style molasses cookies is texture. The key is baking just until the edges are set while the centers remain soft. Overbaking will remove that signature chew. Rolling the dough balls generously in sugar also helps create those iconic cracks as the cookies expand in the oven.

Molasses plays a dual role here: it adds moisture and depth of flavor. Use unsulphured molasses for the best taste—blackstrap molasses can be too bitter for cookies.

Spice Profile: Why Molasses Cookies Taste So Good

Molasses cookies are defined by their spice blend. Cinnamon provides warmth, ginger adds a gentle bite, and cloves bring depth and aroma. Together, these spices create a layered flavor that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

If you love bold spice, you can slightly increase the ginger or cloves. For a milder cookie, reduce cloves by half.

Variations to Try

Extra Chewy Molasses Cookies: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Chocolate-Dipped Molasses Cookies: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark chocolate.
Orange-Spiced Molasses Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the dough.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with hot drinks and simple desserts:

Serve with coffee, chai, or hot cocoa
Add to holiday cookie platters
Crumble over vanilla ice cream
Package in gift boxes for seasonal gifting

They also make a wonderful after-school snack or comforting late-night treat.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container—it helps retain moisture.

The dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 48 hours or frozen for up to 2 months. Roll in sugar just before baking.

Fun Facts and Cultural Context

Molasses cookies date back to early American kitchens when molasses was more affordable and accessible than refined sugar. These cookies became especially popular in New England and remain a staple during fall and winter months.

Their rich flavor and long shelf life made them ideal for sharing, gifting, and celebrating—traditions that continue today.

Final Thoughts

If you are searching for the ultimate old fashioned molasses cookies with a true bakery-style look and feel, this recipe checks every box. Thick, chewy, warmly spiced, and deeply satisfying, these cookies deserve a permanent spot in your baking rotation. Once you try them, they will quickly become a family favorite and a recipe you reach for year after year.