Old Fashion Molasses Cookies Recipe: Classic Soft & Chewy

Introduction

Old Fashion Molasses Cookies, with their warm, spicy aroma and soft, chewy texture, evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort that has been cherished across generations. These cookies are a quintessential treat that combines the rich, robust flavor of molasses with aromatic spices like ginger and cinnamon, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite. Whether you’re reminiscing about holiday baking traditions, seeking a cozy snack to enjoy with a cup of tea, or presenting a homemade gift that exudes warmth and love, these cookies are an ideal choice. This comprehensive guide from Love With Recipes provides an in-depth exploration of every aspect involved in creating these delightful cookies, ensuring you achieve bakery-quality results at home with detailed tips, nutritional insights, and creative suggestions to elevate your baking experience.

Time

• Preparation Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Boiling water kettle or saucepan
• Electric mixer or hand whisk (optional but recommended)
• Plastic wrap or airtight container for chilling
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop or teaspoon
• Small bowl for sugar coating
• Cooling racks
• Rolling pin (optional, for shaping if needed)
• Fork or flattening tool (for slight flattening of cookies)

Tags

Holiday Baking, Classic Cookies, Spiced Cookies, Comfort Food, Homemade Treats, Family Recipes, Nostalgic Desserts, Easy Baking, Seasonal Favorites, Love With Recipes

Serving Size

Approximately 36 cookies, each weighing about 20 grams

Difficulty Level

Intermediate — Requires some handling of sticky dough and precise measurements, but overall accessible for home bakers with basic skills.

Allergen Information

• Contains: Wheat (gluten), eggs, dairy (butter or margarine), molasses
• May contain traces of: Nuts (depending on ingredients used), soy (if margarine contains soy derivatives)

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian; suitable for those avoiding animal meat but contains dairy and eggs. Not suitable for vegans unless substitutions are made.

Course

Dessert, Snack, Tea Time Treat

Cuisine

American Classic, Holiday Traditions

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preparing the Molasses Mixture

Begin by selecting a high-quality, robust molasses—preferably unsulphured for a cleaner, sweeter flavor. Measure out exactly 1 cup and pour it into a large mixing bowl. Add the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to the molasses. Using a sturdy whisk or spatula, stir the mixture thoroughly until the sugar begins to dissolve into the molasses. The mixture will be thick and dark, with a rich aroma that hints at the warm spices to come. This initial step is crucial as it sets the foundation for the deep flavor profile of the cookies.

2. Incorporating Butter and Liquid Mixture

Next, in a separate small saucepan or heatproof bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of margarine or softened butter with 1/3 cup of boiling water. Place the mixture on the stove or in the microwave and stir until the margarine is fully melted and integrated into the hot water. The hot water helps to melt the fat, creating a smooth, liquid base that will mix seamlessly into the molasses and sugar mixture. Carefully pour this hot liquid into the large bowl containing the molasses and sugar. Mix vigorously with a spatula or whisk until the mixture is homogeneous, smooth, and slightly frothy. This step ensures even distribution of fats and liquids, essential for the cookie dough’s texture.

3. Adding Flavor Enhancers

Now, incorporate the vanilla extract—preferably pure vanilla for a nuanced aroma—and the egg. Beat the egg lightly in a small bowl before adding. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform. The egg acts as a binding agent, providing structure and moisture to the dough, while the vanilla adds depth and aromatic complexity. Ensure the egg is fully incorporated, avoiding streaks, as this will lead to an even, tender crumb in your final cookies.

4. Combining Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder. Sifting these ingredients together ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and spices, preventing clumping and ensuring the cookies rise evenly. Use a whisk or fork to combine thoroughly, breaking up any lumps. This dry mixture will be gradually added to the wet mixture to form a cohesive dough.

5. Incorporating Dry into Wet

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the molasses mixture in portions, stirring gently after each addition. Use a spatula or spoon to blend until the dough begins to form. The mixture will be thick and somewhat sticky, typical of molasses-based cookies. Continue until all the dry ingredients are incorporated, making sure no flour pockets remain. The dough should be uniform, moist, and pliable but not overly sticky. If necessary, you can briefly knead it with your hands dusted lightly with flour to bring it together.

6. Chilling the Dough

Transfer the dough to a clean bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is vital for several reasons: it firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape; it enhances the flavors by allowing the spices and molasses to meld; and it prevents excessive spreading during baking. During this period, the dough develops a richer, more concentrated flavor—an essential step for authentic old-fashioned cookies.

7. Preheating the Oven

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup. Proper oven temperature is critical for achieving the right texture and color—too hot, and the cookies may burn on the edges; too cool, and they might spread too much or remain undercooked.

8. Shaping and Coating the Cookies

Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, portion out about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of dough for each cookie. Roll each portion between your palms into a smooth ball. Place the extra granulated sugar on a small plate. Roll each dough ball in the sugar until evenly coated. This sugar coating gives the cookies their classic crackled appearance and adds a slight crunch. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

9. Flattening and Baking

Gently flatten each sugar-coated ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers to encourage even spreading and a uniform shape. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set but still soft in the center. Keep an eye on them near the minimum baking time to prevent overbaking, as molasses cookies can darken quickly. The cookies will develop cracks on the surface, showcasing their rustic, old-fashioned charm.

10. Cooling and Enjoying

Once baked, transfer the cookies to cooling racks using a spatula. Allow them to cool for at least 5 minutes on the baking sheet—they will be delicate immediately after baking. Then, carefully move them to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling is essential for setting the texture and making the cookies easier to handle. Serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a steaming cup of tea, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also make beautiful homemade gifts when packaged in decorative tins or boxes.

Preparation Tips

• Molasses Choice: Use unsulphured molasses for a smoother, sweeter flavor. Blackstrap molasses provides a more intense, slightly bitter taste and can be used for a darker, more robust cookie.
• Handling Sticky Dough: If the dough becomes too sticky during shaping, refrigerate it for an additional 15-20 minutes or dust your hands lightly with flour to facilitate shaping.
• Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of ground cloves, nutmeg, or allspice for a more complex spice profile. Incorporate chopped nuts or crystallized ginger for added texture and flavor.
• Glazing or Icing: For an extra touch, drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk once cooled.
• Batch Size Adjustments: To make smaller or larger cookies, adjust the portion size accordingly, maintaining the same baking time.

Tips and Tricks

• Chilling Duration: Do not skip the chilling step; it significantly improves the dough’s handling and flavor.
• Uniform Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or teaspoon for consistent size and baking times.
• Oven Hotspots: Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even coloring.
• Texture Preference: For chewier cookies, slightly reduce the baking time; for crisper cookies, bake a minute longer.
• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for optimal freshness.

Add-ons and Variations

• Spice Enhancements: Experiment with cardamom or allspice for added complexity.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delightful variation.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with vegan margarine and the egg with flaxseed or chia seed gel.

Side Dishes

• Warm spiced apple cider
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Spiced nuts or fruit compote
• Cheese platter with mild cheeses and fresh fruits

Improvements

Enhance the flavor profile by roasting the spices slightly before adding to the dough, or infusing the molasses with a cinnamon stick during storage. For a more decadent treat, sandwich two cookies with cream cheese frosting or a honey butter spread. Consider adding a dash of bourbon or dark rum to the molasses mixture for a boozy twist that elevates the depth of flavors. Use high-quality ingredients to maximize taste and aroma, and opt for organic flour and spices for a healthier, more flavorful cookie.

Save and Store

Once cooled completely, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To maintain freshness, separate layers with parchment paper and reheat briefly in a low oven or microwave before serving to revive their soft, chewy texture.

FAQ

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes. Replace the butter with vegan margarine, and substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). Adjust the rest of the ingredients accordingly.

Can I adjust the spice levels?

Absolutely. Add more or less ginger and cinnamon according to your taste preferences. Consider incorporating other spices like cloves or allspice for a richer, more complex flavor.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for at least an hour is essential. Also, avoid over-flattening the dough balls before baking. Using parchment paper and not overcrowding the baking sheets helps maintain shape.

Are these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?

Not in their original form, as they contain wheat flour. To adapt, substitute with a certified gluten-free flour blend. Be sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

Creating authentic Old Fashion Molasses Cookies at home is an act of culinary nostalgia that combines simple ingredients with a love for traditional flavors. The process, from mixing to chilling, baking, and cooling, is not only rewarding but also allows for customization and experimentation. These cookies embody the essence of comfort, warmth, and festive cheer, making them a perennial favorite for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or quiet afternoons. By following this comprehensive guide from Love With Recipes, you can master the art of baking these timeless treats, delighting your taste buds and those of your loved ones with every batch. Remember, the magic lies in the details—the quality of your ingredients, the patience during chilling, and your personal touch in flavor variations all contribute to unforgettable cookies that will surely become a cherished part of your baking repertoire.

References

• The Joy of Cooking, 75th Anniversary Edition, by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, and Ethan Becker
• Joy of Baking: Classic Cookies and Holiday Treats, by Stephanie Jaworski, lovewithrecipes.com