Name: Soft Molasses Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour; 1 tsp Baking soda; 1 tsp Salt; 2 tsp Ground cinnamon; 2 tsp Ground ginger; 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg; 1 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 cup Dark brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup White granulated sugar; 1/4 cup Molasses; 1 Large egg (room temperature); 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract; 3/4 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature); 4 oz Cream cheese (room temperature); 2 1/2 cups Powdered sugar (sifted); 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract; Brown gel food dye

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These luscious Soft Molasses Cookies fill your kitchen with the warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and the deep sweetness of molasses. Picture a cozy evening with these cookies baking in the oven, the soft, pillowy cookies emerging with slightly crackled tops that beckon with their inviting scent. Each bite is like a hug from your grandmother, reminiscent of sweet holiday gatherings filled with laughter and love. I can’t help but think of the time I first made these with my mom—it was a chilly winter afternoon, the kind that makes you crave something warm and sweet. As we rolled out the dough and decorated our cookies like little gingerbread men, the joy was palpable!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Soft Molasses Cookies
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Soft Molasses Cookies

Perfect for holiday celebrations, a cozy afternoon snack, or simply to brighten your day, these Soft Molasses Cookies will have you reaching for seconds and thirds. The delightful combination of spices and soft texture captivates anyone who tries them. So, how about we get baking? You’re going to love bringing these little treats into your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just about 35 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute treat!
Irresistible Flavor: The duet of molasses and spices creates a rich taste that dances on your tongue.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their festive frosting, these cookies bring a playful, festive atmosphere to any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Great as a snack, dessert, or festive addition to your holiday cookie platter.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can be adjusted for gluten-free or vegan preferences with easy substitutions!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour: The backbone of this cookie, providing structure. For a gluten-free option, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
1 tsp Baking soda: This helps the cookies rise and achieve the soft texture we crave. A little goes a long way, so make sure it’s fresh.
1 tsp Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness. Use sea salt for a more complex taste.
2 tsp Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice, making each bite more aromatic.
2 tsp Ground ginger: This ingredient brings a zesty kick, complementing the sweetness of molasses beautifully.
1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg: A delicate touch of nutmeg enhances the other spices—just a pinch makes a difference!
1 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature): Ensures a creamy, easy-to-mix batter. If you forget to soften it, quick microwaving can help.
1 cup Dark brown sugar (packed): Infuses the cookies with moisture and depth of flavor. Light brown sugar works in a pinch, but the dark gives that extra richness.
1/2 cup White granulated sugar: For sweetness and that slight crunch from rolling the cookie dough.
1/4 cup Molasses: Choose unsulfured, regular molasses for a sweet, rich flavor. Avoid blackstrap molasses as it’s too bitter for cookies.
1 Large egg (room temperature): Helps bind everything together. Room temperature eggs mix better, so consider letting them sit out first.
1 tsp Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the sweet notes. Always opt for pure extract over imitation for the best results.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

3/4 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature): Creaminess is key for a smooth and spreadable frosting. Again, make sure it’s softened.
4 oz Cream cheese (room temperature): For that luscious texture and tangy flavor. Use full-fat for best results; low-fat or spreadable won’t hold up as well.
2 1/2 cups Powdered sugar (sifted): This gives the frosting its sweetness and structure. Sifting helps avoid lumps.
1 tsp Pure vanilla extract: Just like with the cookies, it enhances every flavor.
Brown gel food dye: For coloring the frosting to resemble cute little gingerbread men—perfect for decorating!

How to Make Soft Molasses Cookies

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This step ensures your spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing any clumpy bits. Set aside while you focus on the wet ingredients.

Whip Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the room temperature unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on high speed for about 2 minutes. You want this mixture to be light, fluffy, and pale, creating air pockets to make your cookies deliciously soft.

Add Wet Ingredients: To the fluffy sugar mixture, add in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until everything is just combined. This ensures a sweet, flavorful batter.

Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to maintain that soft texture in your cookies.

Chill the Dough: Use a large cookie scoop to portion out the dough into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar for a sweet crust. Then, place the rolled dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps your cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Preheat the Oven: While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350℉. This temperature is essential for achieving that perfect golden edge while keeping the centers soft and chewy.

Bake the Cookies: Bake one sheet of cookies at a time for about 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the tops slightly crack. I often use a large biscuit cutter to scoot the cookies into perfect circles right after pulling them out. This ensures they look as good as they taste!

Cool and Transfer: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial because if you move them too soon, they may break apart.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a clean large bowl, beat the unsalted butter on high speed for 2 minutes until creamy. Scrape down the sides, then add the cream cheese and beat on high for another minute until smooth and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix; we want it creamy but not overly runny!

Sweeten and Tint: Gradually sift in the powdered sugar and add the vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to high until the mixture is creamy. Separate about 1/4 of the frosting to use as a base, and add brown gel food dye to the remaining frosting until your desired gingerbread color is achieved.

Storing & Reheating

These Soft Molasses Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in a warm oven (about 200°F) for a few minutes to refresh their softness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-mixing your dough; this can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft texture you want.
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and egg, for better emulsification.
Let your cookies cool completely before frosting; otherwise, the frosting may melt and slide off.
If your dough is too sticky, chilling it a little longer can help!
Experiment with spices! Add a bit of allspice or cloves for a different flavor twist.

The aroma alone will have you daydreaming about cozy nights by the fire. You’ll find joy in sharing these cookies, whether at holiday gatherings or during a quiet evening at home. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the decorations, making them as fun or festive as your imagination allows. Enjoy the process just as much as the delightful results!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of sugar?

Yes! While the recipe calls for dark brown sugar for its rich flavor, light brown sugar can work as a substitute. Regular granulated sugar can also be used, though this might change the depth of flavor slightly.

How do I make them softer or chewier?

To achieve a softer cookie, you can try reducing the baking time by a minute or two, keeping an eye on the edges for doneness. Adding an extra tablespoon of molasses can also help create a chewier texture.

What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

Using cream cheese frosting gives a lovely indulgence to the cookies. You can get creative by adding colored sprinkles or using different piping tips for various designs, especially if you’re aiming for festive gingerbread men!

Are these cookies freezable?

Absolutely! These Soft Molasses Cookies freeze beautifully. Make sure they are fully cooled, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, so you can enjoy them anytime a craving hits!