Irresistibly Chewy Molasses Cookies: Your Ultimate Holiday Baking Recipe
There’s something truly magical about holiday baking, and at the heart of many festive traditions are classic Christmas cookies. While Frosted Sugar Cookies are an undeniable staple that grace every annual spread, the joy of the season also lies in discovering new favorites to mix things up. I particularly love attending cookie exchanges, where I get to sample delightful creations like White Chocolate Coconut Truffles and gather inspiration for my own kitchen endeavors.
Among these treasured recipes, these Chewy Molasses Cookies stand out. They were a spontaneous addition to my holiday baking list one year, and to my delight, they rapidly ascended to the top of our family’s most-loved treats. These aren’t just any cookies; they are incredibly soft, wonderfully chewy, and bursting with a rich, complex flavor that perfectly captures the essence of winter. With every bite, you’ll be transported to a cozy scene, complete with crackling fires and festive cheer.
Growing up, my husband’s home was filled with the aroma of Gingersnaps and classic Gingerbread Men cookies, a tradition less common in my own childhood kitchen. So, when I first ventured into baking these molasses cookies, I was genuinely excited to experience their unique charm. The outcome? Absolutely delicious! I must confess, I’m a complete enthusiast for any type of soft and chewy cookie, and these certainly hit all the right notes.
Crafting a diverse and visually appealing holiday dessert tray is one of my favorite seasonal pastimes. Alongside these splendidly soft molasses cookies, I love to feature festive treats like White Chocolate Fudge. What makes these molasses cookies even more appealing is their incredible simplicity. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to achieve perfect results, making them an ideal choice for busy holiday schedules.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Chewy Molasses Cookies
I cannot overstate my excitement for this molasses cookie recipe. I once shared them with three fellow bloggers as part of the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap, and they garnered nothing but rave reviews! The few I kept at home were devoured quickly, each one perfectly chewy and utterly delightful. They are infused with a harmonious blend of warm autumn and winter spices, creating a flavor profile that is both robust and comforting. While I typically gravitate towards anything chocolate-related – a fact many of you who visit frequently already know – these molasses cookies offer a welcome and delicious change of pace.
Sometimes, it’s essential to venture beyond your usual preferences, and these chewy molasses cookies are the perfect way to do just that. If you’re compiling your holiday baking list and seeking an exceptional addition, these cookies are an absolute must-try. The recipe, as written, yields approximately 20 cookies, but it can be effortlessly doubled, or even tripled, to accommodate larger gatherings or to simply ensure you have plenty on hand. Trust me, you’ll want more than just a single batch!
Mastering the Art of Molasses Cookie Perfection: Tips & Tricks
Achieving that ideal balance of soft and chewy with a rich, spiced flavor is simpler than you might think. Here are some pro tips to ensure your molasses cookies turn out flawlessly every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more effectively with the sugars, creating a smoother, more emulsified dough and ultimately a more tender cookie.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Too much flour can lead to dry, crumbly cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Do not scoop directly from the bag.
- Don’t Skimp on Spices: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves is crucial for the signature warm flavor of molasses cookies. Freshly ground spices will yield the most potent and aromatic results.
- Chilling the Dough is Key: While it might be tempting to skip this step, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is vital. It helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring they maintain their thickness and chewy texture. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Sugar Coating for Texture: Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking adds a delightful sparkle and a slight crispness to the exterior, contrasting beautifully with the soft interior.
- Don’t Overbake: Molasses cookies are best when they are just set. They might look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them from the oven, but they will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet. Overbaking will result in a harder, less chewy cookie. Look for lightly browned edges.
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. They tend to soften even more over time, becoming even chewier!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These chewy molasses cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them warm with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a steaming mug of hot chocolate for a truly indulgent treat. They also make a fantastic addition to any holiday cookie platter, offering a distinct flavor alongside other festive favorites.
Feeling creative? Here are a few ideas to customize your molasses cookies:
- Citrus Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, aromatic twist that complements the spices beautifully.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet) for a delightful chocolatey surprise.
- Extra Spice: If you love a bolder spice kick, increase the ginger or add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
- Molasses Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, a tablespoon of molasses, and a splash of milk or orange juice for a simple, elegant drizzle.
- Crystallized Ginger: Fold in finely chopped crystallized ginger for bursts of spicy-sweet flavor and chewy texture.
More Must-Make Christmas Cookies
For those who love to explore a variety of holiday treats, here are some other fantastic cookie recipes that are sure to become family favorites:
- Mint Chocolate Pudding Cookies: Soft, minty, and rich – a delightful twist on a classic.
- Sour Cream Cookies: Incredibly tender cookies with a delicate flavor, often frosted for extra charm.
- Frosted Sugar Cookies: The quintessential holiday cookie, perfect for decorating with loved ones.
- White Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies: A festive fusion of spicy gingerbread and sweet white chocolate.
- Cornflake Cookies: Crunchy, chewy, and nostalgic – a unique texture sensation.
- Cranberry Icebox Cookies: Sliced and baked, these offer a beautiful presentation and a burst of fruity flavor.
No matter which cookies you choose to bake, the process of creating and sharing them brings immense joy during the festive season. These chewy molasses cookies are a testament to the comforting power of traditional flavors, promising warmth and happiness with every bite.
Chewy Molasses Cookies
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Equipment
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Cookie Scoop
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Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer
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Silicon Baking Mat
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons butter, softened
- 8 Tablespoons sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 whole large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cloves, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, leading to a consistent flavor and texture in every cookie. Set this mixture aside.1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt
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In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter, 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and the dark brown sugar. Cream these ingredients on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This aeration process is key for a tender cookie. Then, add the large egg and beat for another 30 seconds until fully incorporated.6 Tablespoons butter, 8 Tablespoons sugar, 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, 1 whole large egg
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Pour in the molasses and mix until it is completely combined with the butter and sugar mixture. Ensure there are no streaks and the color is uniform, indicating full incorporation of the rich, dark molasses.1/4 cup molasses
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Gradually add the whisked flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined and no white streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to tougher cookies.
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Using a cookie scoop or your hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll it into smooth balls. Each ball should be approximately 1 1/2 inches in size. Place the formed dough balls onto a baking tray. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step helps them hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking, contributing to that desirable chewy texture.
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While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
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Take the chilled dough balls and roll each one evenly in the remaining 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This sugar coating will create a beautiful sparkle and a slightly crispy exterior once baked.
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Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are just set, possibly still looking a tiny bit soft. Remember, slight underbaking is key to a truly chewy cookie.
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Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly without drying out. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your perfectly spiced, soft, and chewy molasses cookies!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Embrace the delicious flavors of the season with these unforgettable chewy molasses cookies!