Ah, soft chewy molasses cookies! There’s just something magical about pulling a tray of these warm, spice-filled delights from the oven. The moment you take that first bite, you’re greeted with a perfect blend of sweetness and warmth that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. I can almost smell the rich aroma of molasses mingling with hints of ginger and cinnamon—it’s pure bliss! Making these cookies is a delightful experience, and trust me, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night at home or a festive gathering with friends.
What sets my recipe apart is the balance of soft and chewy texture that comes from using just the right amount of butter and brown sugar. You’ll love how they maintain that perfect chewiness even days after baking! Plus, the addition of warm spices creates a flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and comforting. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into creating these irresistible soft chewy molasses cookies together. You’ll be so glad you did!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of these soft chewy molasses cookies. I’ve made sure to include clear measurements so you can grab exactly what you need without any guesswork!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Make sure your butter is nice and soft—this helps create that dreamy texture we all love! And don’t skip the brown sugar; it adds that rich, caramel-like flavor that makes these cookies truly special. Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be all set for a fun baking adventure!
How to Prepare Soft Chewy Molasses Cookies
Making these soft chewy molasses cookies is a delightful journey that’ll fill your kitchen with the most wonderful aromas. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with cookies that are perfectly soft and chewy every time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated! Set it to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is just right for baking our cookies to golden perfection.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, it’s time to cream together that softened butter and packed brown sugar. Using a sturdy spatula or a hand mixer, beat them until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that delightful lightness while still keeping them chewy. Think of it as giving your cookies a little love before they hit the oven!
Step 3: Mix in Egg and Molasses
Now, add in the large egg and the 1/4 cup of molasses. Mix well until everything is combined and you have a lovely, smooth batter. The molasses is what gives these cookies their rich flavor and that beautiful dark color, so don’t rush this step! Make sure it’s well incorporated—this is where the magic begins!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mixture will add depth to your cookies and ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. If you skip this step, you might end up with pockets of spice or baking soda, and we definitely don’t want that!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay! This will ensure your cookies stay tender and soft. If you mix too much, you’ll create tougher cookies, and we want them soft and chewy, remember?
Step 6: Shape and Place on Baking Sheet
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each dollop—about 2 inches apart—so they have room to spread while baking. You’ll want those lovely edges to form without merging into one big cookie blob!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes; you want the edges to be set but the centers slightly soft. They’ll continue to firm up a bit as they cool, giving you that perfect soft and chewy texture.
Step 8: Cooling Process
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This is important because it helps them firm up just enough to transfer without breaking. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you bite into that warm, chewy goodness!
Nutritional Information
Each of these delightful soft chewy molasses cookies packs a flavorful punch! Here’s a quick glance at the typical nutritional values per cookie, based on standard ingredient brands:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Potassium: 50mg
- Vitamin A: 200 IU
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so they might vary slightly depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use. But no matter the numbers, the joy of biting into a soft chewy molasses cookie is truly priceless!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These soft chewy molasses cookies are sure to win your heart for so many reasons! Here are just a few:
- Quick to make: With a total time of just 25 minutes, you can have warm cookies ready in no time!
- Perfect texture: The combination of brown sugar and butter delivers that ideal softness and chewiness.
- Irresistible flavor: The rich taste of molasses, paired with warm spices, creates a comforting and nostalgic treat.
- Great for sharing: With 24 cookies in each batch, they’re perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply spreading joy!
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or extra spices to make them your own!
Trust me, whether you’re baking for yourself or others, these cookies will bring smiles all around!
Tips for Success
To ensure your soft chewy molasses cookies turn out absolutely perfect every time, here are some tried-and-true tips from my own baking adventures!
- Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we want them soft and chewy!
- Watch your baking time: Every oven is different, so keep a close eye on your cookies at the 8-minute mark. You want the edges set but the centers still soft.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly, especially the butter. Cold butter can lead to uneven mixing and texture.
- Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft to scoop, pop it in the fridge for about 20 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
With these tips, you’re on your way to baking the most delightful soft chewy molasses cookies that everyone will love!
Variations
If you’re in the mood to shake things up a bit, there are plenty of fun ways to customize your soft chewy molasses cookies! Here are a few delicious variations that I absolutely love:
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Who doesn’t love a little chocolate? Mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet twist that pairs beautifully with the molasses flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that complements the spices perfectly.
- Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a bit more kick, increase the ground ginger to 1 1/2 teaspoons or add a pinch of ground cloves for an extra layer of warmth.
- Dried Fruits: Incorporate 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries to add a chewy texture and a burst of fruity sweetness in every bite.
- Orange Zest Twist: Grate in the zest of 1 orange into the wet mixture for a refreshing citrus note that brightens the overall flavor.
Feel free to mix and match these variations or even come up with your own unique twist! The beauty of these soft chewy molasses cookies is that they’re versatile enough to adapt to your cravings. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
Pairing your soft chewy molasses cookies with the right accompaniments can elevate your treat to a whole new level! One of my favorite combinations is a tall glass of cold milk—there’s just something about dipping that cookie into the milk that makes it even more delightful. If you’re in the mood for a warm beverage, a steaming cup of coffee or spiced chai complements the cookies’ flavors beautifully.
For a fun twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert sundae. The creamy ice cream melts into the warm, chewy cookie, creating the ultimate comfort food experience. Enjoy these delightful pairings, and watch how they turn a simple cookie into a moment of pure joy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your soft chewy molasses cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long! If you want to extend their shelf life, you can also freeze them. Just make sure to layer parchment paper between the cookies in a freezer-safe container to prevent them from sticking together.
When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie, just take it out and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness. You’ll be amazed at how delicious they taste, even after a few days!
Soft Chewy Molasses Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and molasses, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.