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Leigh Anne Wilkes

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Home / Latest Posts / Recipes / Course / Dessert / Cookies / Molasses Cookies

Molasses Cookies

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By: Leigh Anne WilkesPosted: 12/19/22Updated: 12/19/22

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure policy here.

overhead shot of molasses cookies

These old fashioned chewy molasses cookies are just like your grandmother use to make! They are soft and chewy and thanks to a combination of cinnamon, ginger and molasses the flavor and texture are amazing.

up close photo of a molasses cookie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

This cookie recipe is everything a molasses cookie should be. they are soft and chewy in the middle and the depth of flavor is amazing thanks to molasses and spices used. We love to roll them in sugar before baking to get a nice crinkly top but that step is optional.

They are definitely a Christmas cookie favorite and a cookie classics. They are a perfect make ahead cookie because they stay soft for days.

stack of molasses cookies

What is Molasses?

Molasses is made when sugar cane or sugar beets are boiled down to form a syrup. The sugar crystals are removed and you have dark molasses!

There are different kinds of molasses including light or mild, full or dark and blackstrap molasses. For these cookies I used the full/dark version which has a stronger molasses flavor. You can also use the light/mild which is the sweetest of all the molasses.

I don’t recommend using blackstrap in molasses cookies as it is not sweet but more typically used in savory dishes.

molasses cookie ingredients

Ingredients Needed

Butter. I use salted butter. You can also use canola oil instead of butter and it will give you an even chewier cookie. If using unsalted butter add in a bit of salt.

Granulated Sugar

Molasses. I used full flavor but you can also use light.

Flour. I prefer unbleached all purpose flour

Baking Soda

Spices. A combination of ground ginger, ground cinnamon and ground cloves.

overhead shot of molasses cookies

How to Make Molasses Cookies

  • Cream together butter and 1 3/4 cups of sugar ( the rest is reserved for rolling the cookies in before baking). Use the paddle attachment with a stand mixer or you can use an electric hand mixer too.
  • Add in molasses and egg and mix until combined.
pouring molasses into bowl
  • Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl.
adding ginger into flour
  • Pour dry ingredients in with butter mixture. Mix until combined.
  • Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
cookie dough in a bowl
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cover two cookie sheets with parchment paper. You can also use a silicone mat
  • Place the remaining sugar in a bowl.
rolling dough in sugar
  • Form dough into balls, about 2 tablespoons of dough and then roll in sugar to coat.
  • Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on baking sheet and slightly press down on cookies with the bottom of a glass.
pressing down on cookie dough
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes.
  • Move to wire racks to cool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze molasses cookies?

They store in the freezer beautifully. You can freeze them after they are baked using the instructions in this post. Or you could freeze just the unbaked dough. Freeze the dough before rolling in sugar and then roll in sugar before baking. Use the info in this post for freezing cookie dough.

How long will molasses cookies last?

Stored at room temperature in an airtight container they will last for up to 5 days. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.

hand holding molasses cookie

Leigh Anne’s tips

  • To get evenly shaped molasses cookies I use a cookie scoop. This 2 Tbsp cookie scoop is my favorite.
  • Don’t skip the chilling stage or your cookie dough may spread too much. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
  • If you prefer, you can skip the rolling in sugar stage but I think they look prettier with the sugar.
  • I think these molasses cookies are even better the second day!

If you like this molasses cookies recipe try these other yummy ones!

  • Molasses Pound Cake
  • Giant Gingersnap Cookie
  • Ginger Snaps
  • Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Be sure and follow me over on You Tube for weekly cooking demos.

5 from 1 vote
stack of molasses cookies

Molasses Cookies

Recipe From: Leigh Anne Wilkes
These old fashioned chewy molasses cookies are just like your grandmother use to make! They are soft and chewy and thanks to a combination of cinnamon, ginger and molasses the flavor is amazing.
serves: 2 dozen
Prep:20 minutes
Cook:12 minutes
chilling time:3 minutes
Total:35 minutes
Rate Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter salted
  • 2 cups sugar divided
  • 1/3 cup molasses mild or full flavor
  • 1 egg
  • 2 1/2 cups flour unbleached all purpose
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 4 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves

Instructions

  • Cream butter and 1 3/4 cups sugar in a bowl. Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer.
  • Pour in molasses and egg and beat until combined.
  • In a bowl, combine flour, spices and baking soda. Use a fork to stir to combine.
  • Add dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Mix until dry ingredients are incorporated.
  • Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Scoop dough into 2 Tbsp size balls. Roll in remaining sugar if desired.
  • Place 2 inches apart on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes.

Tips & Notes:

  • To get evenly shaped cookies I use a cookie scoop. This 2 Tbsp cookie scoop is my favorite.
  • Don’t skip the chilling stage or your cookie dough may spread too much. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
  • If you prefer, you can skip the rolling in sugar stage but I think they look prettier with the sugar.
  • I think these cookies are even better the second day!

Recommended Products

Sheet Pan
Parchment Paper
Small Cookie Scoop (1 Tbs)

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 2367kcal (118%) Carbohydrates: 365g (122%) Protein: 20g (40%) Fat: 97g (149%) Saturated Fat: 59g (369%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g Monounsaturated Fat: 25g Trans Fat: 4g Cholesterol: 326mg (109%) Sodium: 1884mg (82%) Potassium: 1115mg (32%) Fiber: 6g (25%) Sugar: 242g (269%) Vitamin A: 2963IU (59%) Vitamin C: 0.1mg Calcium: 208mg (21%) Iron: 11mg (61%)
* Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full disclosure here.
Course:Cookies
Cuisine:American
stack of molasses cookies
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