Molasses Cookies bring warmth, spice, and that nostalgic holiday scent straight into your kitchen. If you’re looking for the perfect cold-weather cookie, these chewy, sweet spiced beauties hit the mark. Made with rich molasses and a cozy blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, they’re the kind of treat that feels like a hug from the inside out. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting a tin to a friend, or just cozying up with a hot drink, Molasses Cookies are a must-have in your recipe collection. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make—even for beginner bakers.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Molasses Cookie Recipe
- Incredible Flavor Depth – Molasses brings a rich, slightly smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Every bite tastes like the holidays.
- Soft, Chewy Texture – These cookies bake up with crackly tops and soft, tender centers. They’re not too crisp, not too cakey—just that perfect chew cookie fans crave.
- Quick and Straightforward – From prep to oven in under 20 minutes, and no fancy tools required. It’s a one-bowl wonder with minimal cleanup.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead Baking – The dough chills beautifully and can even be frozen. Great for planning ahead for parties or cookie exchanges.
- Versatile and Customizable – Out of cloves? Use pumpkin pie spice. Want a deeper flavor? Try dark molasses. These cookies are flexible and forgiving.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Whether you’re baking for kids, coworkers, or the pickiest dessert lover, molasses cookies are a nostalgic favorite that everyone appreciates.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup molasses (light or dark)
For Rolling
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
Optional Substitutions:
- Light brown sugar can replace dark brown sugar
- Pumpkin pie spice can replace individual spices in a pinch
- Salted butter can be used—just reduce added salt to ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This ensures even baking and helps prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- ¾ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp allspice
Set aside—this spice blend is what gives the cookies their cozy, aromatic flavor.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In another large bowl, beat ¾ cup softened butter, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes until fluffy and pale.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and ⅓ cup molasses until smooth. Scrape down the bowl to ensure everything’s fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Beat on low speed or stir by hand just until the dough comes together—don’t overmix.
6. Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step prevents spreading and helps the flavors develop.
7. Shape and Roll
Scoop dough into 1½-inch balls (about 2 tbsp each). Roll each in granulated sugar until fully coated. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
8. Bake and Cool
Bake for 11–13 minutes, one sheet at a time. Cookies should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the center. Cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11–13 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45–50 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: About 24 cookies (using 2 tbsp dough per cookie)
- Estimated Cost: Low (basic pantry ingredients)
Nutrition Facts (per cookie, approx. based on 24 cookies)
Please note: These are estimates and may vary slightly depending on exact ingredients used.
- Calories: ~115–120
- Total Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fiber: <1 g
Tips & Variations
🔪 Baking Tips
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to keep cookies thick and chewy. Warm dough spreads too much.
- Don’t overbake — remove cookies when the edges are set but the centers still look soft. They’ll finish cooking on the sheet.
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor. Old spices can dull the warm, aromatic punch these cookies are known for.
- Double roll in sugar for a crackly top and extra sparkle.
🔁 Easy Variations
- Add orange zest (½ tsp) to the dough for a citrusy twist.
- Dip half in white chocolate for a festive touch at holidays.
- Swap spices with pumpkin pie spice (2 tsp) for a shortcut.
- Sprinkle flaky salt on top before baking for a sweet-savory contrast.
Molasses Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- In a bowl, whisk dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and all spices.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
- Mix in egg, vanilla, and molasses until smooth.
- Gradually add dry mixture to wet. Stir until combined—do not overmix.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Scoop dough (2 tbsp each), roll in sugar, and space 2 inches apart.
- Bake 11–13 mins until edges are set. Cool 2 minutes on tray, then transfer to racks.
Notes
FAQs
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
What type of molasses should I use?
Stick with light or dark molasses. Dark adds a richer, more intense flavor. Avoid blackstrap molasses—it’s very bitter and can overwhelm the cookie.
Why are my cookies too hard?
You likely overbaked them. Molasses cookies should be pulled from the oven while the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll set as they cool.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
Can I skip the sugar coating?
It’s optional, but recommended. Rolling in sugar adds that classic crackled look and a sweet crunch on the outside.
Conclusion
Molasses Cookies are the ultimate comfort treat—soft, spiced, and just sweet enough to keep you reaching for one more. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy night in, or just because you love warm, nostalgic flavors, this recipe never disappoints. With a short chill time and pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s a stress-free way to bring a little old-fashioned magic to your kitchen.