Molasses Cookies

Bake a batch of these crackled soft Molasses Cookies and enjoy a bite of heaven paired with a cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk.

Easy Molasses Cookies Recipe

Molasses cookies come in two basic categories. One style you may be familiar with, is thinner and somewhat chewy. The other type is soft and fluffy. While both are delicious, this cookie recipe falls into the latter category. Rolling the scratch made dough in granulated sugar leaves them with the crackled finish after baking that makes them visually interesting, too. To make easy Molasses Cookies:

• To Make the Molasses Cookie Dough: In a medium size mixing bowl, use a whisk to sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt. A whisk works like a charm, there’s no need to pull out an old fashioned sifter.
• Using an electric mixer, cream together shortening, butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Add the molasses, egg and vanilla. Whip until fully combined. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer whatever you have handy.
• Add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed ingredients beating just until fully moistened. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• To Bake Molasses Cookies: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Remove cookie dough from fridge and roll into 1 – 1 1/2 inch balls.
• Place reserved 1/4 cup granulated white sugar in a shallow bowl.
• Roll cookie dough balls in the granulated sugar until coated on all sides.
• Place on the sheet pan at least 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. (Pro Tip: You can use a 1 Tablespoon cookie scoop to divide dough into uniform size for even baking)
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until tops are crackled. Cool on pan for 5 minutes then remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

How to Make the BEST Molasses Cookies Recipe

• Kitchen tools you’ll need: Stand mixer or hand mixer, measuring cups and spoons, whisk, sheet pans, cookies scoop, shallow bowl and cookie spatula.
• These cookies are sweet and beautifully spiced by design. You can substitute allspice for ground cloves, if you you have it on hand.
• Keep in mind that it’s important to allow the cookie dough some time to chill before baking. About 30-45  minutes of chill time should be ample.
• This recipe utilizes both solid shortening and butter. The shortening acts as a stabilizer for the molasses and in this instance, I highly recommend that you not substitute all butter, instead.
• This cookie dough can be divided however you like. Depending on size, yield could vary.
• You can freeze this cookie dough for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight prior to baking.
• Store baked Molasses Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Ingredients Needed To Make Soft Molasses Cookies

• All purpose flour. Always use a spoon to fill the measuring cup and level. If you scoop, it can pack the flour and make the cookies dry.
• You’ll need both granulated and dark brown sugar.
• Spices include ground cinnamon, ginger and clove. Plus, salt and baking soda for leavening.
• Molasses is the main flavor of these cookies. I use Grandma’s, medium-dark molasses, not blackstrap for this recipe. Read more about varieties of molasses here on the Spruce Eats.
• Solid vegetable shortening and butter.
• One egg and vanilla extract.

More Cookie Recipes to Make

You should always have some sort of handheld delight in your cookie jar. Other cookie recipes you may enjoy trying:

• These loaded up Kitchen Sink Cookies are a delight!
• My recipe for Peanut Butter Cowboy Cookies is a fan favorite.
• Plan your holiday baking with this collection of 75 Tasty Christmas Cookies Recipes.
• These festive Funfetti Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies are like a party in your mouth.
• Chewy homemade Snickerdoodle Cookies.
• Cranberry Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies are filled with fresh cranberries, walnuts and chocolate chips.
• The kiddos will love making a batch of these Gingerbread Cookies.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Mixing Bowls
• Baking Sheets
• Measuring Set
• Mixer