Super Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe

If you have a craving for a cookie that feels like a warm hug straight from the oven, you have to try these Super Soft Molasses Cookies. Their rich spices perfectly blend with the deep, luscious sweetness of molasses, creating a cookie that’s chewy, tender, and simply irresistible. Each bite melts gently on your tongue, delivering a cozy, old-fashioned flavor that feels both nostalgic and delightfully fresh. Whether you’re new to molasses cookies or a longtime fan, this recipe promises a batch of treats that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Super Soft Molasses Cookies come together with a handful of simple pantry staples, each one playing an essential role. From the aromatic spices to the rich molasses and smooth vegetable oil, every ingredient adds an important layer of flavor, texture, and that signature softness.

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure while keeping the cookies tender.
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cloves: Adds a warm, slightly sweet spiciness that elevates the flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger: Brings a gentle zing that complements the molasses beautifully.
• 2 tsp Baking Soda: The leavening agent responsible for the perfect soft and puffy rise.
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the dough with cozy, familiar spice notes.
• 1/2 tsp Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 3/4 cup Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cookies stay moist and incredibly soft.
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and creates a slightly crisp outer layer.
• Extra Granulated Sugar: For rolling the cookie dough balls to add a little sparkle and crunch.
• 1/4 cup Full Flavor Molasses: The star ingredient that adds deep sweetness and that classic molasses taste.
• 1 Large Egg (room temperature): Binds everything together, giving the cookies their perfect texture.

How to Make Super Soft Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the all-purpose flour, spices (ground cloves, ginger, cinnamon), baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This even distribution of spices ensures every bite bursts with flavor and the baking soda is ready to give your cookies a gentle lift.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

Using a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the vegetable oil and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture looks smooth and well blended. Then add in the rich molasses and the egg. Mixing these well creates the luscious base that gives the cookies their tender, moist crumb.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Reduce your mixer speed to low, then gradually add the whisked dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—this keeps the cookie dough nice and soft once baked.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Shape and Prepare for Baking

Once chilled, adjust your oven rack to the 2nd position from the bottom and preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using a tablespoon-sized scoop or spoon, form 1-inch dough balls. Roll each ball in extra granulated sugar to add sparkle and a slight crunch, then space them about 2 inches apart on the sheets.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. When you take them out, they may look puffy, but don’t worry—they will gently flatten as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Super Soft Molasses Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are delightful on their own, but if you want to add a little extra something, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate can be magical. Sprinkle with a touch of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness and highlight the spices.

Side Dishes

Super Soft Molasses Cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or a glass of cold milk for classic comfort. You can also serve them alongside spiced cider or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat that feels just right.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting dessert platter, arrange the cookies on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary or cinnamon sticks to hint at their warm, spicy flavor. Sandwich them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist that will wow anyone lucky enough to taste them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Super Soft Molasses Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay perfectly soft for up to one week, making them great to bake in advance for gatherings or sweet cravings throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either as shaped dough balls or fully baked. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. For baked cookies, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and thaw at room temperature for a day before enjoying.

Reheating

If your cookies have cooled down and lost their just-baked warmth, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave revives that fresh-from-the-oven softness and flavor. Just be careful not to overheat them or they might dry out.

FAQs

Can I use dark or blackstrap molasses instead of full-flavor molasses?

Dark molasses works as a substitute but will give a stronger, more bitter flavor. Blackstrap molasses is not recommended because it is less sweet and can overpower the cookie’s delicate balance.

What makes these cookies so soft compared to traditional molasses cookies?

The combination of vegetable oil and chilling the dough before baking creates an irresistibly tender crumb that stays soft even after cooling, setting these Super Soft Molasses Cookies apart.

Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?

You can swap vegetable oil for melted butter, but it will change the texture slightly. Butter tends to make cookies a bit firmer, so if you prefer super soft cookies, oil is your best friend here.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling firms the dough so it’s easier to shape and helps prevent cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in that ideal soft and thick texture.

How do I keep these cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?

Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats ensures the cookies release easily without sticking or losing their shape during baking.

Final Thoughts

I promise once you bake your first batch of these Super Soft Molasses Cookies, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to comfort treats to enjoy any time of year. They have that perfect combination of warm spices, rich molasses sweetness, and delightful softness that feels like a homemade gift in every bite. So roll up your sleeves, grab those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch of love wrapped up in cookie form!

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