Get ready to transport yourself back to grandma's kitchen with these irresistible molasses cookies that are about to become your new favorite holiday treat! These soft, spicy-sweet cookies are more than just a dessert—they're a warm hug in cookie form, packed with rich molasses and warming spices that will make your entire home smell like pure comfort. Whether you're looking to impress your family or recreate a cherished childhood memory, these cookies are guaranteed to become an instant classic in your recipe collection.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 3/4 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 1/4 cup of molasses and 1 large egg to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- For added flavor and texture, you can roll each dough ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have a slightly cracked appearance. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy Grandma Townsend's Molasses Cookies warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, egg, and molasses are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
- Don't overmix the dough: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender and soft.
- Chill the dough: For even more flavor development and easier handling, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Roll in sugar: Rolling cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking creates a delightful crispy exterior and extra sweetness.
- Watch baking time carefully: These cookies can quickly go from perfectly chewy to overdone. Remove them when edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.
- Cool completely: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent breaking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
