Bakery Style Molasses Cookies

Why You’ll Love Bakery Style Molasses Cookies  Recipe

These bakery-style molasses cookies are an ideal balance of sweetness and spice. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you’re craving a comforting dessert, these cookies are simple to make yet deliver professional-quality results. They have a rich molasses flavor and a delicate crisp on the outside, giving each bite the perfect amount of texture. Plus, they store well, making them a great choice for baking ahead!

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.

4. Add the egg and molasses to the butter mixture and mix until combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.

7. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the centers are soft but no longer wet. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 24 cookies. The total time for preparation and baking is approximately 25-30 minutes, depending on your oven.

Variations

• Spicy Molasses Cookies: Increase the amount of ginger or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of spice.

• Chocolate Chip Molasses Cookies: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.

• Glazed Molasses Cookies: After baking, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for added sweetness.

• Vegan Molasses Cookies: Swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of the egg.

Storage/Reheating

Store these molasses cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze the dough (before baking) or the cookies themselves. To freeze the dough, roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time. To reheat baked cookies, warm them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Why are my molasses cookies not chewy?

If your molasses cookies are not chewy, it could be due to overmixing the dough, using too much flour, or overbaking them. Ensure you measure the flour correctly and remove them from the oven once the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

2. Can I make these molasses cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This will also help enhance the flavor. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

3. Can I substitute honey or maple syrup for molasses?

While molasses gives these cookies their signature flavor, you can substitute honey or maple syrup, though the flavor profile will change. Molasses is thicker and more robust, so the substitute may make the cookies slightly softer and less intense in flavor.

4. Can I use salted butter in this recipe?

It’s best to use unsalted butter so that you have control over the amount of salt in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt by 1/4 teaspoon.

5. How do I know when molasses cookies are done baking?

Molasses cookies should be slightly puffed with set edges but still soft in the center when they’re done. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so take them out when they look slightly underbaked.

6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s one that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

7. What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?

Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a handful of chopped crystallized ginger for added depth of flavor.

8. Can I skip the rolling in sugar?

Rolling the dough balls in sugar helps to create that classic sparkle and adds a nice crunch to the exterior of the cookies. However, you can skip this step if you prefer a softer cookie.

9. Can I freeze molasses cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Roll the dough into balls, freeze them, and then store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

10. How do I make the cookies crispier?

For crispier cookies, flatten the dough balls slightly before baking and bake them for a few extra minutes until they are golden brown and crisp around the edges.

Conclusion

These bakery-style molasses cookies are the perfect blend of soft, chewy texture and rich, spiced flavor. They’re easy to make, versatile, and sure to be a hit with anyone who loves classic, comforting cookies. Whether you’re preparing for the holidays or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these molasses cookies will become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!