Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies: The Ultimate Taste of Holiday Comfort

There are some flavors that instantly transport you, wrapping you in a warm embrace of nostalgia and joy. For me, few things evoke that feeling quite like a perfectly spiced molasses cookie. But not just any cookie – we’re talking about those irresistible Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies that boast a crackled sugar crust, a melt-in-your-mouth tender interior, and a deep, complex warmth from ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to fill your home with an aroma that speaks of holidays, cozy evenings, and pure, unadulterated comfort. Forget dry, crumbly imitations; today, we’re crafting the truly exceptional, the quintessential molasses cookie experience that will become a cherished tradition.

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Quick Glance Summary

⏱️ Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour chill time), 🍽️ Servings: 36 cookies, 💥 Vibe: Warm, Nostalgic, Comforting

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these incredible Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies. Most are pantry staples, but ensure your spices are fresh for the best flavor impact. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar, plus ½ cup for rolling
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup unsulphured molasses (dark or light, not blackstrap)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies

Creating these delightful Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies is a straightforward process, but a few key steps ensure that perfect texture and flavor:

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, then the molasses and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. This chilling step is crucial for flavor development and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
6. Preheat and Prep: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar in a shallow bowl.
7. Roll the Cookies: Scoop rounded tablespoons of the chilled dough and roll them into balls between your palms. Roll each dough ball generously in the granulated sugar until fully coated.
8. Bake: Place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look soft. For that signature soft and chewy texture, avoid overbaking.
9. Cool: Let the Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

While these Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies are perfect as is, a little creativity can elevate them even further!

• Zesty Kick: Add 1 tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the wet ingredients for a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the warm spices.
• Chocolate Dipped: After cooling, dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Ginger Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, a touch of molasses, and a pinch of ground ginger with milk or water for a simple, elegant drizzle.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Pair two cooled cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean or spiced rum ice cream for an ultimate dessert experience.
• Crinkle Effect: For an extra dramatic crinkle, roll the dough balls first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar before baking.

FAQ

Got questions about these delicious Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies? We’ve got answers!

Q: Can I substitute blackstrap molasses?

A: While you can, blackstrap molasses has a much stronger, more bitter flavor. For the best Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies, we recommend unsulphured (light or dark) molasses for its balanced sweetness and depth.

Q: How do I store these cookies?

A: Store your cooled Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. They tend to get even chewier the next day!

Q: Why did my cookies turn out hard and not chewy?

A: This usually happens if the cookies are overbaked. For that perfect soft and chewy texture, pull them from the oven when the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.

Q: Can I freeze the dough?

A: Yes! You can roll the dough into balls, coat them in sugar, and then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of warm spices filling your home, and with these Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies, you’re not just baking a treat—you’re creating an experience. Each bite is a journey to comfort, a symphony of flavors that are both timeless and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones, enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, or simply craving that deep, spiced sweetness, these homemade Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies are guaranteed to delight. Don’t wait for a special occasion; make everyday extraordinary. Head over to magicinkitchen.com for more inspiring recipes and culinary adventures!

Recipe Note

For an extra boost of chewiness, try underbaking the cookies by just a minute or two. They will look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, leaving you with an incredibly tender and moist result.