Save Irresistibly soft and chewy molasses cookies deliver deep flavor and cozy spices perfect for chilly afternoons. This fuss-free treat uses simple pantry ingredients, comes together quickly, and requires no mixer—making it ideal for easy dessert cravings.
I first made these chewy molasses cookies for my family on a rainy weekend, and they disappeared before the second batch even cooled. They have become our go-to comfort bake when we want something simple but special.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (280 g), provides structure
- Ground ginger: 2 teaspoons, adds warm spice
- Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons, for cozy flavor
- Ground cloves: 1/2 teaspoon, for depth
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon, optional warmth
- Baking soda: 2 teaspoons, helps cookies rise
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, balances sweetness
- Unsalted butter: 3/4 cup (170 g), melted and cooled
- Dark brown sugar: 1 cup (200 g), richness and moisture
- Unsulphured molasses: 1/4 cup (60 ml), for classic flavor
- Egg: 1 large, room temperature
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances flavor
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g), for coating the dough balls
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, whisking until well combined.
- Make Dough:
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir with a spatula just until no dry flour remains—do not overmix.
- Form Balls & Roll in Sugar:
- Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough, roll into balls (about 1 1/2 inches), and coat each in granulated sugar.
- Arrange & Bake:
- Place dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until puffed and edges set but centers look slightly underbaked.
- Cool Cookies:
- Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save When my kids help roll these cookies in sugar, it's always a happy mess in our kitchen. These have become part of our holiday traditions, served warm with mugs of milk for everyone.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy (butter). Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie has about 120 calories, 5 g total fat, 18 g carbohydrates, and 1 g protein.
Save These cookies only get better the next day, making them perfect for gifting or saving for cozy moments.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a chewy texture?
Underbake slightly to maintain moist centers and chewiness. Avoid overmixing the dough to keep it tender.
- → Can I substitute molasses with another syrup?
Yes, dark treacle can be used as a substitute to provide a similar depth of flavor.
- → What spices are used in these cookies?
Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create a warm and balanced spice profile.
- → Is a mixer necessary for preparation?
No mixer is needed; simple whisking and folding produce the right texture.
- → How should I store these treats?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze for longer storage.