Chewy Soft Molasses Cookies

Featured in: Desserts for a Crowd

These chewy soft molasses cookies bring together warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg with rich molasses for a comforting treat. Made without a mixer, the dough is quick to prepare and rolled in sugar for a delicate crunch. Slightly underbaked centers create an irresistibly tender texture. Perfect for enjoying with tea or coffee, these cookies store well for several days or freeze for longer freshness.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:09:00 GMT
Warm plate of chewy soft Molasses Cookies, bursting with flavor and perfectly spiced for dessert. Save It
Warm plate of chewy soft Molasses Cookies, bursting with flavor and perfectly spiced for dessert. | zetluna.com

Chewy Soft Molasses Cookies deliver everything you crave in a cozy dessert: a tender center, a slight sugary crust, and rich spices throughout. You get classic flavor with minimal effort and no mixer required.

I baked these on a chilly afternoon and the smell alone made everyone gather in the kitchen. Each batch brings back memories of sharing warm cookies and laughter with family.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (280 g)
  • Ground ginger: 2 teaspoons
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Ground cloves: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Baking soda: 2 teaspoons
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): 3/4 cup (170 g)
  • Dark brown sugar (packed): 1 cup (200 g)
  • Unsulphured molasses: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
  • Large egg (room temperature): 1
  • Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Granulated sugar (for rolling): 1/4 cup (50 g)

Instructions

Oven preparation:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients:
Whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Mix wet ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses until glossy. Add egg and vanilla and whisk until combined.
Combine mixtures:
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir gently with spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
Shape dough:
Scoop tablespoonfuls and roll into balls (about 1 1/2 inches). Coat in granulated sugar.
Bake:
Place balls 2 inches apart on sheets. Bake 9–11 minutes until edges are set and centers look underbaked.
Cool:
Let cookies sit on baking sheet 5 minutes then cool on a wire rack until ready to eat.
Golden, sugary-crusted chewy soft Molasses Cookies fresh from the oven, offering comforting aromas. Save It
Golden, sugary-crusted chewy soft Molasses Cookies fresh from the oven, offering comforting aromas. | zetluna.com

My kids always race to sprinkle extra sugar on the dough balls before baking, making this recipe a family favorite we come back to every winter.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy (butter). Always review ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Each cookie has approximately 120 calories, 5 g total fat, 18 g carbohydrates, and 1 g protein.

Enjoy a stack of delightful chewy soft Molasses Cookies, a classic American treat with lovely molasses notes. Save It
Enjoy a stack of delightful chewy soft Molasses Cookies, a classic American treat with lovely molasses notes. | zetluna.com

Bake a batch and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of molasses cookies—warm, chewy, and perfect for sharing!

Common Questions About Recipes

How do I achieve the perfect chewy texture?

Underbaking the cookies slightly helps maintain a soft, chewy center while the edges set for a pleasant bite.

Can I substitute molasses with another ingredient?

Dark treacle serves as a great alternative, offering a similar rich and robust flavor.

What spices give these cookies their warm flavor?

A blend of ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg creates the comforting, aromatic spice profile.

Is a mixer necessary for preparation?

No mixer is required; whisking and folding by hand simplifies the process while delivering great texture.

How should these cookies be stored?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze them for extended freshness.

Chewy Soft Molasses Cookies

Soft and chewy molasses cookies featuring warm spices and a rich, deep flavor.

Prep Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
10 mins
Overall Time
25 mins
Authored by Clara

Recipe Type Desserts for a Crowd

Skill Level Required Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Output 24 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs Veggie-Friendly

The Ingredients You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 teaspoons ground ginger
03 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
05 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 2 teaspoons baking soda
07 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
02 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
03 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
04 1 large egg, room temperature
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Rolling

01 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until evenly blended.

Step 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, dark brown sugar, and molasses until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and whisk until fully combined.

Step 04

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture and stir with a spatula just until no flour is visible, taking care not to overmix.

Step 05

Form Cookie Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a 1 1/2-inch ball. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until coated.

Step 06

Arrange Dough on Baking Sheets: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until cookies are puffed, edges set, but centers remain slightly underbaked for optimal chewiness.

Step 08

Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Contains gluten (wheat), egg, and dairy (butter). Verify ingredient labels for allergy safety.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 120
  • Fats: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 18 grams
  • Proteins: 1 grams