Chewy Soft Molasses Cookies

Featured in: Homestyle Bakes

These cookies combine molasses and warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for a soft, chewy texture. The method avoids mixers, relying on simple whisking and gentle folding to ensure tender bites. Rolling the dough in sugar before baking creates a delicate, sweet crust. Slight underbaking yields extra chewiness, perfect for comforting afternoons. They store well in airtight containers and freeze nicely for future enjoyment.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 11:01:00 GMT
Golden, glistening Chewy Soft Molasses Cookies piled neatly; ready to enjoy on a dessert plate. Save
Golden, glistening Chewy Soft Molasses Cookies piled neatly; ready to enjoy on a dessert plate. | pumpkinvale.com

Irresistibly soft and chewy molasses cookies capture nostalgic flavors in every bite. Their rich spices and dark sweetness are ideal for afternoon tea or cozy gatherings. Best of all, they come together quickly and require no mixer.

I remember making these cookies on chilly weekends with my family. The aroma of ginger and cinnamon filling the house always brought everyone into the kitchen for a taste.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (280 g)
  • Ground ginger: 2 teaspoons
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Ground cloves: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Baking soda: 2 teaspoons
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Unsalted butter (melted, cooled): 3/4 cup (170 g)
  • Dark brown sugar (packed): 1 cup (200 g)
  • Unsulphured molasses: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
  • Egg (room temperature): 1 large
  • Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Granulated sugar (for rolling): 1/4 cup (50 g)

Instructions

Prepare the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
Whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses, then whisk in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
Combine & Form Dough:
Stir dry ingredients into wet mixture just until no dry flour remains.
Shape Cookies:
Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough, roll into balls, and coat each in granulated sugar.
Bake:
Arrange dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are set and centers are just underbaked.
Cool:
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool fully.
Warm and flavorful Chewy Soft Molasses Cookies, perfectly spiced, right out of the oven, smelling divine. Save
Warm and flavorful Chewy Soft Molasses Cookies, perfectly spiced, right out of the oven, smelling divine. | pumpkinvale.com

Sharing these cookies fresh from the oven is a weekend tradition in our home. They disappear fast as everyone reaches for second helpings.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy (butter). Check all product labels if you have allergies.

Nutritional Information

Each cookie has about 120 calories, 5 g fat, 18 g carbohydrates, and 1 g protein.

Close-up of freshly baked Chewy Soft Molasses Cookies, showing their crinkled tops and soft texture. Save
Close-up of freshly baked Chewy Soft Molasses Cookies, showing their crinkled tops and soft texture. | pumpkinvale.com

Enjoy your soft molasses cookies with tea or a glass of milk, and savor every tender bite. They stay fresh for days and freeze beautifully for later treats.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make these cookies chewier?

Slightly underbake them by removing from the oven when edges are set but centers remain soft, preserving chewiness.

Can I substitute molasses with another ingredient?

Dark treacle can be used as a substitute, offering a similar deep flavor and color.

What spices give these cookies their warm flavor?

Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create the signature cozy, spicy notes.

Is a mixer needed for this preparation?

No mixer is required; whisking and folding by hand achieves the desired texture.

How should I store these after baking?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze to extend freshness.

Can these be made suitable for vegan diets?

Substitutions for butter and egg would be needed to adapt the dough for vegan preferences.

Chewy Soft Molasses Cookies

Delight in soft, chewy sweets with deep molasses flavor and cozy spice notes—easy and quick to make.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Time Needed
25 minutes
Created by Emma Wallace

Recipe Type Homestyle Bakes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 24 Serving Size

Diet Information Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients

01 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 teaspoons ground ginger
03 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
05 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 2 teaspoons baking soda
07 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
02 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
03 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
04 1 large egg, room temperature
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Rolling

01 1/4 cup granulated sugar

How to Make

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Heat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, dark brown sugar, and molasses until smooth; add egg and vanilla extract and whisk until combined.

Step 04

Form Dough: Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir with spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 05

Shape and Coat Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into 1 1/2-inch balls; roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.

Step 06

Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.

Step 07

Bake Cookies: Bake 9 to 11 minutes until edges set and cookies are puffed but centers remain slightly soft.

Step 08

Cool: Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and ask a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy (butter). Check labels if allergic.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Details shown are for general guidance and aren't a medical substitute.
  • Caloric Content: 120
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 1 g