Description of this recipe:
Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced—these molasses cookies are a must-bake for the season! With their irresistible flavor and bakery-style charm, they’re perfect for sharing or cozy nights at home.
Why you will love this recipe:
These Bakery Style Molasses Cookies are not just any ordinary cookies; they embody the warmth and nostalgia of home baking. The combination of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates an aromatic experience that fills your kitchen with delightful scents. The rich, deep flavor of unsulfured molasses adds a unique sweetness that makes these cookies stand out. Their soft and chewy texture, paired with a slightly crisp exterior, provides a satisfying bite that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or gifting them to friends, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any occasion.
Introduction
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the home. Molasses cookies, with their rich flavor and delightful spices, have a special place in the hearts of many. This recipe for Bakery Style Molasses Cookies brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, creating a treat that is not only delicious but also evokes the warmth of the holiday season. Ideal for sharing with loved ones or simply indulging in yourself, these cookies are a delightful addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps, which is essential for achieving a uniform texture in your cookies. Set the bowl aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the batter, giving your cookies a tender texture. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. The molasses adds a rich depth of flavor, while the vanilla enhances the overall taste of the cookies. Mix until there are no streaks of egg or molasses visible.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Take care not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, perfect for rolling into balls.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough enhances the flavor and helps prevent excessive spreading during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies. If you’re short on time, you can chill it for as little as 30 minutes, but longer is better.
Step 6: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and coat it with granulated sugar. Place the sugar-coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes. The cookies will look slightly soft in the center when you take them out, but don’t worry—they will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, as you want that perfect chewy texture.
Step 9: Cool & Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows them to set and makes them easier to handle. Enjoy your freshly baked molasses cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Serving Suggestions:
These molasses cookies can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert, or alongside a warm cup of spiced chai tea or hot cocoa for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make a wonderful gift when packaged in a decorative box or tin.
Tips:
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to the dough for a subtle citrus note.
- If you prefer a spicier cookie, increase the amount of ground ginger and cinnamon to suit your taste.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chill time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 150 per cookie
- Protein: 1.5g
- Sodium: 85mg
Conclusion
These Bakery Style Molasses Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the flavors of the season right into your kitchen. With their soft, chewy texture and rich, spiced flavor, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies will not disappoint. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the magic of homemade molasses cookies!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. You might want to use a mix of both for a lighter cookie. - What can I substitute for unsulfured molasses?
If you don’t have unsulfured molasses, you can use light or dark molasses, though it may alter the flavor slightly. Honey or maple syrup can also be used, but they will change the taste and texture. - How can I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain their softness, you can add a slice of bread to the container, which will help keep the cookies moist. - Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before chilling. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. - What is the best way to ensure my cookies are chewy?
To ensure your cookies are chewy, avoid overbaking them. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven. Additionally, chilling the dough helps achieve that perfect chewy texture.
