Chewy Soft Molasses Cookies

Featured in: Sweet Knockout Treats

These chewy molasses cookies combine deep molasses flavor with a blend of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Made without mixers, the dough is easy to prepare by whisking wet and dry ingredients separately before combining. Rolling dough balls in sugar adds a delicate crunch once baked. Slightly underbaking yields a soft, tender center perfect for those cozy afternoons. These cookies store well and freeze nicely, making them a convenient sweet snack option.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:32:00 GMT
Golden-brown chewy soft molasses cookies with a crackled top and glistening sugar coating, delicious. Save
Golden-brown chewy soft molasses cookies with a crackled top and glistening sugar coating, delicious. | whambite.com

Irresistibly soft and chewy molasses cookies with warming spices are a cozy treat that comes together easily, and you do not even need a mixer.

I have made these cookies for countless chilly afternoons, and they always disappear within hours! The aroma of cinnamon and molasses fills the kitchen and reminds me of holiday baking with my 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, 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

Prep Oven and Sheets:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
Whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda and salt together in a medium bowl.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
Whisk melted butter, brown sugar and molasses until smooth and glossy. Add egg and vanilla, whisk again until combined.
Make Dough:
Stir dry mixture into wet mixture just until no dry flour remains; do not overmix.
Shape Cookies:
Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough, roll into balls (about 1 1 2 inches) and coat in granulated sugar.
Arrange and Bake:
Place dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until puffed and edges are set but centers are slightly underbaked.
Cool:
Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack until completely cool.
Warm spices and a rich molasses flavor define these homemade chewy soft molasses cookies, ideal with coffee. Save
Warm spices and a rich molasses flavor define these homemade chewy soft molasses cookies, ideal with coffee. | whambite.com

My kids love rolling the dough in sugar—it is a cherished part of our baking ritual. These cookies are always requested for family movie nights and holiday gatherings.

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 check ingredient labels especially if sensitive to allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per cookie: Calories 120, Total Fat 5 g, Carbohydrates 18 g, Protein 1 g

Freshly baked chewy soft molasses cookies, still warm, offer a perfect blend of sweet, chewy, and spiced goodness. Save
Freshly baked chewy soft molasses cookies, still warm, offer a perfect blend of sweet, chewy, and spiced goodness. | whambite.com

With their comforting flavor and tender crumb, these molasses cookies are guaranteed to become a favorite for your baking rotation.

Kitchen Guide

What spices give molasses cookies their flavor?

A blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg creates the warm and rich spice profile typical of molasses cookies.

How can I achieve a softer, chewier texture?

Underbaking slightly helps keep the centers soft and chewy, while rolling dough in sugar adds a slight crunch to the edges.

Can dark treacle be used instead of molasses?

Yes, dark treacle is a suitable substitute, offering a similar depth of flavor and moisture.

What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Are any special tools required to make these cookies?

Basic kitchen tools like mixing bowls, a whisk, spatula, measuring spoons, and baking sheets lined with parchment paper are sufficient.

Chewy Soft Molasses Cookies

Soft and chewy molasses delights with warm spices, perfect for a comforting sweet treat.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cook Duration
10 min
Complete Duration
25 min
Created by Brandon Ellis


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Diet Requirements Meat-Free

What 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 slightly cooled
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

Method

Phase 01

Prepare oven and baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

Phase 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth and glossy. Incorporate egg and vanilla, mixing thoroughly.

Phase 04

Combine wet and dry mixtures: Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir with a spatula until just combined and no dry flour remains, avoiding overmixing.

Phase 05

Form dough balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into approximately 1 1/2-inch balls. Coat each ball evenly with granulated sugar.

Phase 06

Arrange on baking sheets: Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Phase 07

Bake cookies: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are set and cookies are puffed, with centers slightly underbaked for chewiness.

Phase 08

Cool before serving: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Kitchen Tools

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

Allergy Guide

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy (butter).

Nutrient Breakdown (per portion)

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 120
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 1 g