If you’ve ever wished for a cookie that wraps you in warm spices and soft, chewy goodness with every bite, you’re going to love this. Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe is like a cozy hug from the past, filled with rich molasses flavor and just the right balance of spices. These cookies melt in your mouth with a tender crumb and a sugary-sweet crust that will have you reaching for seconds before you know it. Whether it’s a chilly afternoon or a festive gathering, these cookies bring comfort and joy to every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple yet perfectly selected to create that signature depth and softness. Each one plays a vital role, from the warm spices that give the cookies their cozy character to the molasses that provides moisture and rich flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that forms the soft, tender structure of the cookie.
- 2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough while keeping them soft and chewy.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a gentle spicy sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a subtle zing that balances the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a deep, aromatic touch without overpowering the other spices.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the sweetness.
- ¾ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies incredibly moist and soft, unlike butter it stays tender longer.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling): Sweetens the dough and creates a delightful sparkle on the cookie surface.
- ¼ cup full-flavor molasses: The star ingredient, giving the cookies their rich, bold taste and beautiful amber color.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds the dough and adds a little lift to the texture.
How to Make Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt in a big bowl. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed to create a uniform flavor and texture in every cookie.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, molasses, and egg until smooth and creamy. This mixture is the flavorful heart of your cookie dough, balancing sweetness and spice with a luscious moistness.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing because that can make the cookies tough; you want your dough soft and slightly sticky for the perfect chew.
Step 4: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
Pop the dough into the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling solidifies the fats and helps control spread when baking, resulting in thicker, softer cookies that hold their shape beautifully.
Step 5: Shape and Roll
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop out tablespoon-sized dough balls, roll them in sugar, and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving enough space for spreading. That sugar coating gives each cookie a sweet, crisp crust that beautifully contrasts the soft interior.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges look set but the centers still appear slightly underbaked. This way, the cookies finish cooking on the hot baking sheet and remain soft and tender. Allow them to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delightful on their own, you can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm vanilla glaze for a special touch. A pinch of finely chopped crystallized ginger on top before baking adds a little extra zing and texture.
Side Dishes
Molasses cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or rich coffee, making them perfect for afternoon treats. For a holiday treat, serve alongside a glass of cold milk or a spiced latte to complement the warm flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these soft molasses cookies with layers of cream cheese frosting for a unique cookie sandwich, or crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a flavorful topping. Packaging them in a festive tin or wrapping with a ribbon makes an adorable homemade gift that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay wonderfully soft when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them fresh, place a slice of bread in the container alongside the cookies—the moisture from the bread will help maintain that irresistible softness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough formed into balls or freeze baked cookies. For dough, freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, bake the dough balls straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. For baked cookies, freeze completely cooled cookies in airtight containers with parchment between layers.
Reheating
If your cookies have cooled down and lost a bit of their softness, simply warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. Freshly warmed, they taste just like Grandma’s straight from the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup?
While honey or maple syrup can add sweetness, they don’t quite replicate the robust, deep flavor of molasses that defines Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe. For the true classic taste, using molasses is best.
Why are my molasses cookies hard instead of soft?
If your cookies turn out hard, it’s often due to overbaking or using too much flour. Be sure to bake just until the edges are set and keep an eye on your baking time. Also, using oil instead of butter in this recipe helps maintain softness.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Butter will add a different texture and flavor, making cookies crisper rather than soft. For the iconic softness in Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe, vegetable oil is preferred because it keeps the dough moist and tender.
How do I make the cookies more festive?
Add a pinch of colored sugar for rolling or incorporate holiday spices like nutmeg and allspice alongside the existing spices. You could also sandwich the cookies with cream cheese frosting for a seasonal dessert that impresses.
Are these cookies gluten-free friendly?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, with a good gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can achieve a similar texture and enjoy Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe gluten-free style.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking a batch of Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe—it’s like stepping into a warm kitchen filled with comforting memories and delicious smells. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire, turning ordinary days into moments worth savoring. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and enjoy the sweet, spicy joy of these tender molasses cookies!
Print
Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Irresistibly Soft Molasses Cookies are a classic treat with a perfect balance of warm spices and rich molasses. Soft and chewy with a subtly crisp exterior, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holidays or any cozy occasion.
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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is fully heated by the time your dough is ready to bake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, molasses, and egg until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Form the Cookie Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in additional granulated sugar to coat them lightly.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy: Serve these soft molasses cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite warm beverage for a comforting treat.
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges look set.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week to keep them soft.
- Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking gives a delightful sugary crust.
- Room temperature egg ensures better mixing and texture.
