About the Recipe
Today, I'm sharing a recipe that's a real comfort food classic in my kitchen — chewy and flavorful molasses cookies. I first fell in love with molasses cookies in my teen years. I worked at a small bead shop which was conveniently located right next door to a bakery. In the late afternoons of autumn when the sun started to set early and those last few hours seemed to drag just a little longer, I would pop into the bakery to get myself a coffee and giant molasses cookie. It was just the right kind of pick-me-up.
These gems are like a warm hug for your taste buds, with the perfect blend of spices and that rich molasses goodness. Whether you're in the mood for a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee or a cozy dessert to end the day, these cookies have got your back. Plus, if you're feeling a bit fancy, toss them in a bit of sugar before baking for that extra touch of sweetness.
So, grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let's dive into the world of classic molasses cookies!
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
Place the 1/3 cup of granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Roll the cookie dough into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar until it's coated.
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your homemade molasses cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage!