Are you craving a warm, gooey cookie that's both comforting and sophisticated? Look no further! These chewy chocolate chip molasses cookies offer the perfect blend of classic chocolate chip cookie goodness with a deep, rich molasses flavor that elevates the experience. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, guaranteeing a batch of delicious homemade cookies that will disappear in a flash. Get ready to indulge in these delightful treats – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark chocolate preferred)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best for this step, but you can also do it by hand (it will just take a little more elbow grease!).
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
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Gradually Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Stir in Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Baking Time: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Molasses Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened; this helps create a smooth, creamy dough. Don't melt it!
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and the cookies to hold their shape better.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and ginger to your liking. A dash of nutmeg or allspice would also be delicious additions.
- Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a wonderful textural contrast and nutty flavor.
Variations:
- Oatmeal Molasses Cookies: Stir in ½ cup rolled oats for a heartier cookie.
- Spiced Molasses Cookies: Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for extra warmth.
- White Chocolate Molasses Cookies: Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a delightful twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These delicious chocolate chip molasses cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy making and sharing these easy and healthy-ish homemade cookies with friends and family! They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for quick dinner ideas or a satisfying snack. Remember to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.