Molasses cookies are a timeless treat, with a warm, spicy flavor and a soft, chewy texture. The richness of molasses combined with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves makes them the perfect comfort cookie, especially during the fall and winter months. These cookies are soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, providing the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup (180ml) molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   • Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough will be soft but not too sticky.
6. Shape the Dough:
   • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the remaining granulated sugar, coating them well.
7. Bake the Cookies:
   • Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
   • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies have spread slightly and the tops are cracked. They should still be soft to the touch in the center.
8. Cool the Cookies:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Adjust the Spice: You can tweak the amounts of cinnamon, ginger, or cloves to suit your preferences. More cinnamon will give it a warmer flavor, while extra ginger brings out the spiciness.
• Rolling the Dough in Sugar: The sugar coating not only adds a sparkling finish to the cookies but also gives them a slightly crispy exterior.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is too sticky to roll into balls, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Storage: These cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Fun Twists

• Molasses Cookie Sandwiches: Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream between two molasses cookies for an indulgent treat.
• Chocolate Molasses Cookies: Add a cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, chocolatey twist.
• Glazed Molasses Cookies: After baking, drizzle the cookies with a simple powdered sugar glaze to add sweetness and an extra layer of flavor.

Final Touch

Molasses cookies are a comforting, spiced treat perfect for any occasion, especially during the colder months when the warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves feels just right. Their chewy texture and deep molasses flavor make them stand out in a cookie jar. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or share them with friends, these cookies are sure to bring a little sweetness to your day.

Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious molasses cookies! 🍪