This Bakery Style Molasses Cookies recipe brings classic flavor and soft, chewy texture straight to your kitchen! With warming spices, rich molasses, and a sugar-crackled finish, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday treats. You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into mouthwatering delights that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Whip up a batch of delicious cookies in just under 85 minutes with minimal fuss.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings, or as a delightful snack any day of the week.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves infuses the cookies with warm spices that tantalize your taste buds.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Enjoy a satisfying bite with a soft center and slightly crisp edges, making them irresistible.
- Customizable Treats: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to personalize your cookies even more!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to get started on your Bakery Style Molasses Cookies.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Plastic wrap
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy butter-sugar mixture quickly without much effort.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking for perfectly shaped cookies.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
How to Make Bakery Style Molasses Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is important to enhance flavor and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Step 6: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat, then place it on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between cookies.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The cookies will look slightly soft and underbaked in the center when you remove them but will firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
How to Serve Bakery Style Molasses Cookies
These Bakery Style Molasses Cookies are perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy night at home, serving these cookies with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Milk pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of molasses. It’s a classic choice that balances sweetness and provides a comforting experience.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter along with other treats like brownies and fruit tarts for a delightful spread at parties or gatherings.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite coffee or tea. The spices in the cookies complement the warm beverages beautifully.
For Holiday Gift Baskets
- Package these cookies in festive boxes for holiday gifts. They make charming and delicious presents for friends and family.
How to Perfect Bakery Style Molasses Cookies
Achieving the perfect Bakery Style Molasses Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out soft and chewy every time.
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill enhances flavor and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to maintain a tender texture.
- Monitor Baking Time: Remove the cookies from the oven while they still look slightly underbaked; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Store Properly: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.
Best Side Dishes for Bakery Style Molasses Cookies
Bakery Style Molasses Cookies can be enjoyed with various side dishes that complement their rich, spiced flavor. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the warm spices of the cookies. - Spiced Hot Cider
Serve warm spiced apple cider alongside for a cozy autumn or winter treat that enhances the cookie’s flavors. - Fruit Salad
A refreshing fruit salad can provide a light contrast to the rich molasses, balancing out your dessert spread. - Cheese Plate
Pair with mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an elegant touch that contrasts sweet and savory elements. - Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a wholesome side that complements the cookie’s richness. - Chocolate Fondue
Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate, creating an indulgent treat!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Bakery Style Molasses Cookies, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the texture and flavor.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to a dense cookie. Always use softened butter and bring your egg to room temperature before mixing.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing the dough too much can make cookies tough. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended for a tender cookie.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour for better shape.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour will make your cookies dry. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into a measuring cup and level off for accuracy.
- Ignoring baking time: Baking cookies for too long leads to hard results. Keep an eye on them, as they will continue to firm up after removing from the oven.
- Not using parchment paper: Baking directly on a baking sheet can cause sticking or uneven cooking. Always line your sheets with parchment paper for easy removal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Bakery Style Molasses Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezing Bakery Style Molasses Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure they are well sealed.
Reheating Bakery Style Molasses Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place one cookie on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm cookies for about 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Bakery Style Molasses Cookies.
How do I make Bakery Style Molasses Cookies chewier?
Adding an extra egg yolk can enhance chewiness, along with ensuring you don’t overbake them.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bakery Style Molasses Cookies?
Yes! You can replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added nutrition.
What is the best way to store Bakery Style Molasses Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
How long do Bakery Style Molasses Cookies last?
They last up to one week at room temperature or three months when frozen properly.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my molasses cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips before baking.
Final Thoughts
Bakery Style Molasses Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for any occasion! You can customize them by adding spices or mix-ins according to your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful flavors straight from your oven!
Bakery Style Molasses Cookies
Bakery Style Molasses Cookies are a delightful treat that brings classic flavors and a soft, chewy texture straight to your kitchen. Infused with warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies offer a rich taste that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a festive holiday gathering or a cozy night at home. With a sugar-crackled finish and the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies, this easy recipe will quickly become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or alongside your favorite warm beverage for the ultimate indulgence!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms; do not overmix.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough in granulated sugar and place them on prepared sheets with space in between.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.
- Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For extra chewiness, consider adding an additional egg yolk. Customize by folding in nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips before baking.