There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm molasses cookies baking in the oven. These aren't your average cookies; they're a trip down memory lane, a taste of simpler times, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This old-fashioned molasses cookie recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner bakers, and delivers that deep, rich flavor we all crave. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this delicious and heartwarming recipe, perfect for cozy nights or holiday gatherings. These quick dinner ideas are also great for a healthy meal option.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step 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 works wonderfully, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer will do the trick too!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the molasses and eggs until well combined. The mixture will be dark and delicious-looking!
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, 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, as this can lead to tough cookies.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Don't overbake! These cookies will firm up as they cool.
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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: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this ensures a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spice combinations, such as adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.
- Chocolate Chunk Surprise: Fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chunks for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 18-22g
These old-fashioned molasses cookies are a delightful example of easy recipes and healthy meals that don’t compromise on flavor. Their rich, spiced flavor and chewy texture make them a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of sharing these delicious cookies with loved ones!