If you’re craving a cozy cookie that instantly warms your heart and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma, then you’re in for a treat. Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need to savor that nostalgic feeling of home-baked goodness. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s perfectly soft, richly spiced, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for more. This recipe has been a cherished family favorite for years, and it combines simple pantry staples with a few fragrant spices to create a molasses cookie that’s tender, chewy, and downright unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing the perfect texture and flavor of these cookies. You’ll find that each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s the molasses adding depth and moisture, or the spices giving that signature warm, aromatic punch.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy but tender base that holds everything together perfectly.
- Baking soda: Acts as the leavening agent, helping the cookies rise just enough to be soft and chewy.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers that unmistakable warm and sweet spice that makes molasses cookies so comforting.
- Ground ginger: Adds a little zing and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Ground cloves: Brings a subtle earthiness that rounds out the spiced notes beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and soft for days, avoiding dryness that sometimes plagues molasses cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and adds just a pleasant bit of crunch when rolled in at the end.
- Molasses: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their rich, deep flavor and irresistible chewiness.
- Large egg: Provides structure and binds everything together while contributing to the chewy texture.
How to Make Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt in a large bowl. Whisking these dry ingredients together ensures that the spices are evenly distributed, so every bite bursts with that perfect blend of flavors.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, molasses, and the large egg until fully combined. This mixture will be glossy and rich, setting the stage for soft and moist cookies that stay tender even after baking.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as that can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy, which is exactly what Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe is famous for.
Step 4: Roll and Sugar
Preheat your oven, then take small spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in some extra granulated sugar before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This sugar coating gives the cookies a delightful crunch and a bit of sparkle.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be set but the centers still soft — that sweet spot where they’re chewy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Let them cool slightly before enjoying.
How to Serve Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can make your molasses cookies extra special and visually inviting. These simple garnishes add an elegant touch, making the cookies perfect for sharing with guests or gifting during the holidays.
Side Dishes
Pair these soft molasses cookies with a warm cup of tea, a mug of hot cocoa, or even a cold glass of milk. The comforting sips complement the rich spice and molasses notes, creating a cozy and satisfying snack or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies on a rustic plate tied with a ribbon for a charming gift, or layer them in a jar with wax paper between layers to keep them fresh and beautiful. You can also sandwich some cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream between two cookies to create a delightful twist on Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover molasses cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Proper storage will help maintain their softness and freshness for up to one week, so you can enjoy Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe anytime you want a comforting snack.
Freezing
If you want to save some cookies for later, freeze them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When properly wrapped, these cookies can stay delicious and soft in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked softness, gently warm cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This little warming trick revives the chewy texture and brings out the molasses and spice aroma in the best possible way.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vegetable oil in Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use melted coconut oil or even unsalted butter as a substitute, but keep in mind that butter might make the cookies a bit denser and add a different richness compared to the lightness vegetable oil provides.
Why are molasses cookies often hard instead of soft?
Molasses cookies can become hard if overbaked or if the fat content is too low. Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe uses vegetable oil and precise baking times to ensure each cookie stays soft and chewy.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You may need to adjust slightly with a binder like xanthan gum to keep the texture just right.
What’s the best way to measure molasses for this recipe?
Because molasses is thick and sticky, lightly oil your measuring cup or use a non-stick spray to easily pour it out without wasting any—a handy tip for getting the perfect amount every time.
How long will these cookies stay soft after baking?
Stored properly in an airtight container, Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe stays soft and fresh for up to a week, making them perfect for preparing ahead for any occasion.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe—it’s like tasting a warm hug from the past. With its perfectly balanced spices, chewy softness, and deep molasses flavor, this cookie will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and create some sweet memories with this timeless treat.
Print
Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies are a delightful treat with warm spices and a rich molasses flavor. These cookies have a soft and chewy texture, enhanced by cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, making them perfect for any occasion or holiday season.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- ¼ cup full-flavor molasses
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt until well combined. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, molasses, and the room temperature egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the flavorful base of the dough.
- Integrate Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix to maintain the cookies’ soft texture.
- Form Cookie Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball lightly in additional granulated sugar to give the cookies a sweet, crunchy exterior once baked.
- Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and allows the texture to set perfectly.
Notes
- For extra flavor, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before shaping can help the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain softness.
- Molasses can be substituted with dark corn syrup if unavailable, but molasses provides a richer flavor.
- These cookies freeze well; place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
