Soft Molasses Spice Cookies
Who can resist the warm, spicy aroma of freshly baked molasses cookies wafting through the house?
These soft-centered gems are like a hug in cookie form—perfectly chewy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself (no judgment here!), these Molasses Cookies with Soft Centers will become your go-to treat.
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by creaming softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until it’s light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their soft, tender texture. Be patient—this process takes a couple of minutes but makes all the difference.
Step 2: Add the Molasses and Egg
Once the butter-sugar mixture is creamy, pour in the molasses and crack in the egg. Mix everything together until fully combined. You’ll notice the molasses instantly transforms the color of the batter into a rich, deep brown. The molasses not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the chewy texture and bold flavor that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Step 3: Whisk and Fold in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, plus a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the dough comes together. At this stage, the dough will be thick, sticky, and fragrant with spice.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Transfer the dough to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then pop it in the fridge to chill. Chilling is essential—it firms up the dough, allowing the flavors to meld and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Aim for at least 30 minutes, though longer chilling (up to overnight) enhances the taste even more.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out rounded portions of dough and roll them into balls. For extra sparkle, you can roll the dough balls in coarse sugar before placing them on the sheet. Space them apart to allow room for spreading while they bake.
Step 6: Bake Until Just Set
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven until the edges are lightly golden and set, but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This ensures those coveted soft centers once the cookies cool. Keep an eye on them—they’ll continue to firm up as they rest on the baking sheet after coming out of the oven.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, the centers will settle into that perfect gooey-chewy consistency. Serve them warm with a glass of milk or let them cool for later indulgence!
Pro Tips
- Use dark molasses for a deeper, more robust flavor profile.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough—it prevents overspreading and enhances texture.
- For extra sparkle, roll the dough balls in coarse sugar before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness.
- If the dough feels too sticky, chill it longer for easier handling.
Storage
- Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
- Layer cookies between sheets of wax paper if stacking in a container.
Soft Molasses Spice Cookies
Description
Soft, chewy molasses cookies infused with warm spices and boasting a gooey center. Perfect for holiday baking or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
Cream Butter and Sugars :
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Mix Wet Ingredients :
Beat in the molasses and egg until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients :
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a thick dough forms.
Chill the Dough :
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat Oven :
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop and Bake :
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 120kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 4g7%
- Total Carbohydrate 19g7%
- Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 1g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for best results.
- Adjust spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
- Rolling dough balls in coarse sugar adds a delightful crunch.
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.
