Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe

Craving a batch of irresistibly soft and chewy cookies that melt in your mouth? Look no further! Our Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe is the ultimate answer to your sweet tooth. These cookies are perfect for anyone who loves the rich, deep flavors of molasses combined with the warmth of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy family night, or simply a snack for yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe

These cookies are all about comfort — soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. What makes this recipe truly special is the perfect balance of spices that complement the rich taste of molasses. The addition of vegetable oil keeps them incredibly moist, while a touch of sugar adds a delightful sweetness. Best of all, these cookies are incredibly easy to make with just a few pantry staples. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll find these molasses cookies simple to prepare and impossible to resist.

Ingredients for Super Soft Molasses Cookies

To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour – The base of our cookies, providing structure and texture.
• ½ teaspoon Ground Cloves – Adds a warm, slightly sweet spice.
• ½ teaspoon Ground Ginger – Offers a hint of spice and depth.
• 2 teaspoons Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise and become soft and fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon – Provides warmth and a comforting aroma.
• ½ teaspoon Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• ¾ cup Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cookies moist and soft.
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar (plus extra for rolling) – Sweetens the cookies and adds a bit of crunch when rolled in sugar.
• ¼ cup Full Flavor Molasses – The star ingredient, giving these cookies their distinct flavor.
• 1 Large Egg (room temperature) – Helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to a chewy texture.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

Before you start, gather these essential kitchen tools:

• Hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• 1-tablespoon size cookie scoop or spoon
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect batch of super soft molasses cookies:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cloves, ground ginger, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set the mixture aside.
2. Blend the Wet Ingredients: Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the vegetable oil and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until they are well combined and have a creamy texture. Next, add in the full-flavored molasses and the egg. Mix until fully blended.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Chill the Dough: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 2 hours, or until it is firm and easy to shape. This step is essential for achieving the best texture.
5. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Adjust the oven rack to the second level position, just above the center. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
6. Form the Cookies: Use a spoon or a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to create 1-inch dough balls. Roll each ball in a small bowl of granulated sugar to coat, then place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. They should be puffy when you remove them from the oven but will flatten as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Chilling the Dough: Why It’s Important

Chilling the dough before baking is a crucial step in this recipe. It allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer taste, and helps the cookies retain their shape during baking. It also prevents the dough from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring you get that perfectly soft and chewy texture.

Baking Tips for Perfect Molasses Cookies

• Oven Placement: Always place the oven rack in the center for even baking.
• Check for Doneness: The cookies should look slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to cook as they cool.
• Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This step helps set their shape and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may spread too much and lose their shape.
• Overbaking: These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy, so be careful not to bake them too long.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve these molasses cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea for a cozy treat. They make an excellent addition to a holiday cookie platter or a thoughtful homemade gift when wrapped in decorative packaging.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and fresh for up to a week. To maintain their chewiness, place a slice of bread in the container; the cookies will absorb the moisture and stay soft longer.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
• Swap the Sweetener: For a different twist, try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for a sweet surprise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-lock bag. When ready to bake, roll them in sugar and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: What if I don’t have molasses?
Molasses is essential for the classic flavor, but in a pinch, you can substitute with dark corn syrup or a mixture of honey and maple syrup. However, the flavor will differ slightly.

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture might vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious!

Conclusion

These Super Soft Molasses Cookies are a must-try for any cookie lover. With their rich flavor and perfectly soft texture, they are bound to become a new favorite. Ready to bake up a batch? Share your results in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!

Print