Molasses cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, deep flavor of molasses with a blend of warm spices. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a comforting, spiced dessert. Their chewy texture and aromatic spices make them a favorite among cookie lovers.
While most of the ingredients for molasses cookies are common pantry staples, molasses might not be something you have on hand. When heading to the supermarket, look for unsulfured molasses, which is typically found in the baking aisle. This ingredient is essential for achieving the cookies' signature flavor and texture.
Ingredients for Molasses Cookies Recipe
All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing structure and texture.
Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the molasses.
Ground cloves: Provides a deep, aromatic spice that enhances the overall flavor.
Ground ginger: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the spice blend.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, chewy texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them achieve a slightly crisp exterior.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
Molasses: The star ingredient, providing a deep, rich flavor and chewy texture.
Technique Tip for Making These Cookies
When creaming the butter and sugar, ensure that the butter is at room temperature. This allows it to incorporate more air, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture for your molasses cookies. Additionally, when measuring molasses, lightly coat your measuring cup with a thin layer of oil to help the molasses slide out easily and prevent sticking.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a slightly nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the cookies denser.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 teaspoons of baking powder for every teaspoon of baking soda. Baking powder will help the cookies rise, though it may alter the texture slightly.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice contains cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and allspice, adding a complex flavor.
ground cloves - Substitute with allspice: Allspice has a similar warm, spicy flavor that can mimic cloves in the recipe.
ground ginger - Substitute with fresh ginger: Use 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger for every ½ teaspoon of ground ginger to add a fresh, zesty flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and adds a slightly different mineral flavor.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used in the same quantity and will add a subtle coconut flavor while keeping the cookies moist.
granulated sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper molasses flavor, which complements the molasses in the recipe.
large egg - Substitute with flax egg: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg, making the recipe vegan and adding a slight nutty flavor.
molasses - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used in the same quantity and will add a different but still rich sweetness, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
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How to Store / Freeze These Cookies
To keep your molasses cookies fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to a week.
For an extra layer of protection, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will help maintain the cookies' moisture, ensuring they remain irresistibly soft.
If you prefer to enjoy your molasses cookies over a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. First, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour. This step prevents the cookies from sticking together.
After the cookies are frozen solid, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Be sure to label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.
When you're ready to indulge in your molasses cookies, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. They will taste just as delicious as the day they were baked.
For a warm, freshly-baked experience, you can also reheat the thawed cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will revive their delightful aroma and texture.
If you plan to freeze the cookie dough instead of the baked cookies, scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the dough balls until firm, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, adding a couple of extra minutes to the original baking time to account for the frozen dough. Enjoy the freshly baked goodness!
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the molasses cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the cookies loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before enjoying.
Microwave Method:
- Place a few molasses cookies on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the cookies with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
- Microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds.
- Check the cookies and add a few more seconds if needed, but be careful not to overheat them.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the molasses cookies on the toaster oven tray.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
Stovetop Method:
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
- Place the molasses cookies in the skillet, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Cover the skillet with a lid to create a gentle warming environment.
- Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through.
- Remove from the skillet and let them cool slightly before enjoying.
Best Tools for Baking These Cookies
Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) to bake the cookies.
Mixing bowl: Use one for dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients.
Whisk: To combine the dry ingredients evenly.
Electric mixer: Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensure everything is well mixed.
Measuring cups: For accurately measuring the flour, sugar, and molasses.
Measuring spoons: For measuring baking soda, spices, and salt.
Baking sheet: To place the rolled dough balls for baking.
Parchment paper: Line the baking sheet to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Wire rack: To cool the cookies completely after baking.
Cookie scoop: Optional, but helpful for making evenly sized dough balls.
How to Save Time on Making These Cookies
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the baking process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly cream the butter and sugar, saving you time and effort.
Chill the dough: If the dough is too soft, chill it for 10-15 minutes to make rolling easier and faster.
Batch baking: Use multiple baking sheets to bake more cookies at once, reducing overall baking time.
Quick cooling: Transfer cookies to a wire rack immediately to cool faster, freeing up your baking sheets for the next batch.
Molasses Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are set and tops are cracked.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses for This Recipe
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