Description
Molasses cookies are a delightful blend of warmth and spice, making them a quintessential treat, especially during the fall and winter months. These soft and chewy cookies are infused with rich molasses, giving them a deep flavor complemented by hints of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. The comforting aroma of these cookies baking fills the home, evoking feelings of nostalgia and warmth. Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying with a warm beverage, molasses cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a cherished tradition that brings a touch of sweetness and comfort to any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds sweetness and moisture, contributing to the cookie’s chewy texture.
- ½ cup molasses: The star ingredient, lending a deep flavor and dark color to the cookies.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cookies, providing structure.
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger: Adds warmth and spice, essential to the molasses flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Complements the ginger and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves: Offers a fragrant, slightly spicy note.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a nice texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- Sugar for rolling: Granulated sugar for rolling the cookie dough balls, adding a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Instructions
STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve a beautiful golden color.
STEP 2: CREAM TOGETHER THE BUTTER AND SUGAR
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. The creaming process incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a lighter cookie.
STEP 3: ADD MOLASSES AND EGG
Add the molasses and egg to the creamed mixture, mixing well until fully combined. The molasses not only contributes flavor but also adds moisture, making your cookies soft and chewy.
STEP 4: COMBINE DRY INGREDIENTS
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
STEP 5: MIX DRY INGREDIENTS INTO WET INGREDIENTS
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few small streaks of flour.
STEP 6: CHILL THE DOUGH (OPTIONAL)
For better flavor and texture, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and enhances the flavors.
STEP 7: SCOOP AND ROLL THE COOKIES
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Then, roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat it evenly. This adds a lovely crunch and sweetness to the finished cookie.
STEP 8: PLACE ON BAKING SHEET
Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
STEP 9: BAKE THE COOKIES
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, so don’t worry if they seem a little underbaked.
STEP 10: COOL AND ENJOY
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies firm up while retaining their chewy center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 1g