Soft Molasses Chewy Cookies

Featured in: Simple Comfort Bakes

These soft molasses cookies combine deep molasses flavor with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for a tender, chewy texture. Made without a mixer, the dough is gently mixed and rolled in granulated sugar before baking to a soft center. Ready in just 30 minutes, these cookies are great for holiday baking or anytime a cozy sweet treat is desired. For extra softness, underbake slightly and enjoy paired with spiced tea or mulled wine.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:22:00 GMT
Golden, coated Soft Molasses Cookies: a warm, spiced, chewy dessert for a cozy treat. Pin it
Golden, coated Soft Molasses Cookies: a warm, spiced, chewy dessert for a cozy treat. | emberthyme.com

Tender, chewy cookies with the deep flavor of molasses and warm spices& perfect for holiday baking. No mixer needed!

I love baking these soft molasses cookies with my family during the holidays because they fill the house with a comforting aroma.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled, 1 cup (200 g) packed dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsulphured molasses, 1 large egg room temperature, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For Rolling: 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 4:
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5:
Scoop dough into heaping tablespoons and roll into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
Step 6:
Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Step 7:
Bake for 9&11 minutes, until cookies are puffed and just set—do not overbake for soft centers.
Step 8:
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Freshly baked Soft Molasses Cookies, beautifully crinkled, offering that rich flavor and scent of the holiday season. Pin it
Freshly baked Soft Molasses Cookies, beautifully crinkled, offering that rich flavor and scent of the holiday season. | emberthyme.com

This recipe has brought my family together many times, especially during chilly afternoons of baking and storytelling.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Pairs well with spiced tea or mulled wine.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, Whisk, Spatula, Baking sheets, Parchment paper, Cookie scoop or tablespoon, Wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). Check all labels if baking for those with allergies.

A close-up of perfect Soft Molasses Cookies, ready to eat, with glistening sugar, offering holiday home baking joy. Pin it
A close-up of perfect Soft Molasses Cookies, ready to eat, with glistening sugar, offering holiday home baking joy. | emberthyme.com

Enjoy these soft molasses cookies fresh with a cup of tea or store them to savor the flavor later.

Recipe FAQs

What gives these cookies their soft texture?

The combination of molasses and careful baking time ensures a tender, chewy center, while slight underbaking keeps them soft.

Can I mix the dough by hand or do I need a stand mixer?

Mixing by hand with a whisk and spatula works perfectly; no stand mixer is necessary.

How can I add a subtle spicy kick to these cookies?

Adding a pinch of black pepper to the spice mix introduces a gentle warmth without overpowering the molasses flavor.

What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain softness.

Which spices are used to flavor these cookies?

This blend includes ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for a warm, aromatic profile.

Soft Molasses Chewy Cookies

Tender, chewy molasses cookies flavored with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for a warm treat.

Time to Prep
20 mins
Time to Cook
10 mins
Overall Time
30 mins
By Ember Thyme Clara Henshaw


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 24 Portion Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 teaspoons ground ginger
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
05 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 2 teaspoons baking soda
07 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
02 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
03 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
04 1 large egg, room temperature
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Rolling

01 1/4 cup granulated sugar

How To Make

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, dark brown sugar, molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.

Step 04

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.

Step 05

Shape and Coat Dough: Scoop the dough by heaping tablespoons and roll each portion into a ball. Coat each ball evenly in granulated sugar.

Step 06

Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sugared dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 07

Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, until the cookies are puffed and just set but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking.

Step 08

Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Wire rack

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). Confirm ingredient labels for allergy safety.

Nutrition Details (for each portion)

This nutritional info is just for reference—always consult your healthcare provider for specific advice.
  • Calorie Count: 120
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 1 g