If you’re craving warm, chewy treats with a rich, spiced flavor, you’re going to love this recipe for super soft molasses cookies. These cookies melt in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweetness and deep molasses notes, making them a standout on any dessert plate.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy afternoon snack, or just because, these super soft molasses cookies deliver comfort in every bite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have bakery-quality cookies right at home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously soft and chewy texture that stays moist for days.
- Rich molasses flavor with warming spices like cinnamon and ginger.
- Simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for last-minute baking.
- Versatile for gift-giving, lunchboxes, or parties.
Ingredients
Gather these pantry staples to make your super soft molasses cookies come to life.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 140 per cookie
How to Make Super Soft Molasses Cookies - Beyond the Butter®
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, scoop dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
- Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and a better texture.
- Do not overbake; remove cookies when centers still look slightly underdone for a soft chew.
- Rolling the dough balls in sugar adds a slight crunch and pretty crackled tops.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm to prevent spreading.
- Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.
Storage and Reheating
Keep your super soft molasses cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm cookies for about 10 seconds in the microwave or for a few minutes in a 300°F oven. This brings back their soft, chewy texture perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dark molasses instead of unsulfured molasses?
Yes, dark molasses can be used and will give the cookies a stronger, slightly bittersweet flavor. Unsulfured molasses is milder, so choose based on your taste preference.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different but still deliciously soft.
Why are my molasses cookies hard instead of soft?
Overbaking is the most common cause. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but centers still look a bit soft. Also, storing them properly helps retain softness.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Adding 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts can add texture and flavor variation without compromising softness.