These molasses cookies are chewy brown sugar cookies infused with plenty of aromatic spices, then baked to golden brown perfection. A classic holiday cookie that’s easy to make and is sure to get rave reviews!
In December I find myself baking up plenty of treats for gift giving. Some of my favorite edible gifts include candied pecans, chocolate covered cherries, and these irresistible spice cookies.
These molasses cookies are a must-make recipe, especially during the cold weather months. They have the most amazing texture with the perfect blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves and allspice. Best of all, they take just minutes to make and can be frozen for later use.
How do you make molasses cookies?
Chewy and delicious molasses cookies are easy and fun to make. Start by beating some sugar, butter, molasses and an egg with a mixer. Once the mixture is smooth, stir in flour, baking soda and flavorful spices. Roll the dough into balls and dip them in a little granulated sugar. The sugar coating gives these cookies a sweet and slightly crispy exterior. Bake the cookies until they’re golden brown, then serve and enjoy!
Tips for molasses cookies
- You can freeze this cookie dough for later use. Shape the dough into balls, then freeze and store in an airtight bag. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough balls thaw, roll them in sugar, and put them in the oven.
- Coat your measuring cup with cooking spray to keep the molasses from sticking.
- To keep your balls the same size, scoop the dough with a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop. They also make special small scoops designed for cookie baking.
- You can make your cookies larger or smaller than what the recipe calls for depending on how many people you’re looking to serve. Simply adjust the cooking time up or down accordingly.
Dressing up your spice cookies
While this recipe is a classic rendition of this holiday treat, you can jazz up your cookies with some other fun flavors and decorations.
- Try dipping the cookies halfway in melted dark or white chocolate.
- You can use coarse sparkling sugar instead of granulated sugar for added texture.
- Roll the dough in cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
- For a holiday cookie, try rolling the balls in holiday sprinkles instead of sugar.
- You can add some chocolate flavor by placing a chocolate kiss or other small chocolate on top of each cookie as they come out of the oven.
How long do molasses cookies last?
Molasses cookies last for about 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. In the fridge, they stay fresh for about 2 weeks. In the freezer, these cookies stay good for around 4 months.
These cookies are a holiday treat that are so good you can make them all year round! This recipe makes the best molasses cookies that I have ever eaten. When you make this recipe, I think you’ll agree!
More holiday recipes you’ll love
- Christmas Monster Cookies
- Eggnog Cookies
- Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Chocolate Covered Pretzels
- Christmas Crack
Molasses Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark brown sugar packed
- 3/4 cup butter softened
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or non stick baking mats.
- Place the brown sugar, butter, egg and molasses in the bowl of a mixer. Beat for 2-3 minutes or until smooth.
- Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice and salt to the bowl. Stir until just combined.
- Roll the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Coat each ball in granulated sugar and place 2 inches apart on the prepared pans.
- Place the pans in the freezer and chill for 20 minutes.
- Bake each pan of cookies for 14-16 minutes or until just set. Cool for 5 minutes, then transfer the cookies to a rack. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Maya says
Could I use molasses sugar?
Sara says
Is that different than brown sugar? I’m not familiar with it
jade manning says
These are perfect for the fall, who am I kidding, everyday day!!!
Cathy says
These remind me so much of my grandma! Always a holiday favorite!
Melissa says
These cookie are so good – flavorful, soft and chewy! Adding these to my list of holiday cookies to make again!
Catalina says
I love the texture of these cookies! A mus t try recipe!
Betsy says
My FAVORITE cookie! So full of flavor and depth and Christmas memories! Every year I cannot wait to get ahold of 3-5 of these delightful molasses morsels and a glass of ice cold milk…they go so, so very well with milk…or coffee…but these cookies are so delicious! Great recipe!
Julia Frey says
These delicious Molasses cookies are always on my Christmas list. The colour and texture are absolutely gorgeous.
Taylor says
These are my favorite cookies to make for Christmas! So soft with amazing spice flavor.
Erin says
These molasses cookies sound delicious! Dangerously good…
Billy says
These cookies are so soft and delicious, they remind me a bit of snickerdoodles but with an amazing molasses flavor. Thanks for such an awesome recipe!
Dorothy Reinhold says
I love having cookie dough ready to go during the holidays. Perfect for when friends and family pop in!
Demeter says
Such a great idea to freeze the dough for later. Perfect way to make a few cookies at a time to help me from not eating them all in one sitting.