When it comes to cozy winter treats, molasses cookies have a special place in my heart. These cookies are packed with the deep, rich flavor of molasses, balanced with just the right amount of warm spices: cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, even for beginners. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who just wants to whip up a batch of something sweet, these cookies are foolproof and take hardly any time at all to put together. You can have them cooling on the counter in less than an hour!
What makes these molasses cookies extra special is their texture. After rolling each dough ball in sugar, they bake up beautifully crinkly and crunchy on the outside, but stay wonderfully soft and chewy on the inside. The sugar coating gives them a delightful sparkle and adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the spices. Every bite is a balance of crispy edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center—a combination that’s totally irresistible.
These cookies are perfect for any winter occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, attending a cozy dinner date, or just need a quick treat to have around the house, these molasses cookies fit the bill. Their deep flavor of molasses paired with the cozy warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves instantly brings that winter magic to life. They’re like a little taste of holiday cheer in every bite.
So, if you’re looking for a simple yet delicious recipe that’s sure to impress, give these molasses cookies a try. They’ll fill your kitchen with the comforting scents of baking spices, and when you take that first bite, you’ll be transported to wintery afternoons, warm fires, and good company. Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the cookie magic begin!
Tips:
- Storage: These cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. They also freeze well if you want to make a big batch and save some for later.
- Spice Variation: Feel free to adjust the spice amounts to suit your taste. You can add a bit more cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth if you like!
- Holiday-Friendly: These molasses cookies are perfect for holiday get-togethers, winter parties, or as a simple treat to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa.
Easy Molasses Cookies with Cinnamon, Ginger, and Cloves
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar (plus 1/2 cup extra for rolling)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup pure molasses
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer or a bit longer by hand.
- Add the sugar, egg and molasses to the bowl and mix until well combined. I like to use an electric mixer to make sure the shortening is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. This spice mix will give your cookies that perfect, cozy flavor.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently after each addition until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a nice, smooth dough.
- Once your dough is ready, use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to roll it into balls. Then, roll each ball in sugar until well coated. This will give them that signature sugary crunch on the outside!
- Place the dough balls on your parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They’ll spread a little while baking.
- Bake for 10 minutes. The cookies will puff up slightly and be a bit round when they come out of the oven. That’s perfectly fine—they’ll flatten out in the next step.
- While the cookies are still warm, gently press the back of a spoon into the center of each one to flatten them a bit and create the signature crinkly top. This also helps them crack just a little bit!
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack and enjoy!
Enjoy these sweet, spiced molasses cookies with their beautiful crunchy tops and soft interiors—perfect for any winter occasion. Happy Baking!
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