Name: Molasses Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 48
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup white sugar; ¾ cup molasses; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 cup hot water; ¾ cup shortening; 5 cups all purpose flour; 1 tsp ground ginger; 3 tsp Baking Soda

Molasses cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and spice. Known for their rich, dark flavor, these cookies are moist and soft with a slightly crunchy exterior. The molasses imparts a distinct and robust flavor, making these cookies a favorite during the holiday season.

Photos of Molasses Cookies Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe can be found in your average pantry. However, molasses might not be as readily available. It's a thick, sweet syrup that's a byproduct of sugar production, and it's what gives these cookies their distinct flavor. You can usually find it in the baking aisle of your local supermarket.

Ingredients for Molasses Cookies

White sugar: White sugar will give the cookies their sweet base.

Molasses: Molasses is the star of the show, providing a deep, rich flavor.

Ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note to the cookies.

Hot water: Hot water will be used to dissolve the baking soda.

Shortening: Shortening gives the cookies their light, tender texture.

All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the cookie dough.

Ground ginger: Ground ginger brings a little heat and complexity to the flavor profile.

Baking soda: Baking soda acts as the leavening agent, ensuring the cookies rise properly.

One reader, Chadwick Pan says:

These molasses cookies are a delightful treat! The rich flavor of molasses combined with the warm spices creates a perfect balance. The cookies are soft and chewy, and the vanilla frosting adds a lovely touch. They are a hit with my family and friends. Highly recommended!

Chadwick Pan

Techniques Required for Perfect Molasses Cookies

How to cream the sugar, shortening, and molasses together: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the sugar, shortening, and molasses until the mixture is light and fluffy.

How to mix the baking soda into the hot water: In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in hot water and stir until well combined.

How to add the dry ingredients alternately with the water mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger) to the creamed mixture, alternating with the hot water mixture. Mix until just combined.

How to drop the cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet: Use a spoon to drop the cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.

How to bake the cookies: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10 minutes, being careful not to let them brown.

How to frost with vanilla frosting: Once the cookies have cooled, spread or pipe vanilla frosting on top of each cookie.

How to serve and enjoy: Serve the molasses cookies and enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage.

How To Make Molasses Cookies

These molasses cookies are soft and chewy with deep, spiced flavors from ginger and cinnamon. Bake a batch in 30 minutes!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupwhite sugar
¾cupmolasses
1tspground cinnamon
1cuphot water
¾cupshortening
5cupsall purpose flour
1tspground ginger
3tspbaking soda

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cream the sugar, shortening, and molasses together.
Mix the baking soda into the hot water. Add the dry ingredients alternately with the water mixture.
Drop from a spoon onto a greased cookie sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes. Do not brown.
Frost with a vanilla frosting, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 107.37kcal
Fat: 3.34g
Saturated Fat: 0.82g
Trans Fat: 0.42g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.33g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.96g
Carbohydrates: 18.11g
Fiber: 0.39g
Sugar: 8.13g
Protein: 1.35g
Sodium: 81.25mg
Calcium: 13.55mg
Potassium: 91.83mg
Iron: 0.87mg
Vitamin A: 0.01µg
Vitamin C: 0.00mg

Essential Technique Tip for Molasses Cookies

When creaming the sugar, shortening, and molasses together, make sure to do so until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cookies rise during baking, resulting in a softer and lighter texture. Also, when adding the dry ingredients alternately with the water mixture, start and end with the dry ingredients. This method ensures that the dough maintains the right consistency.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Molasses Cookies

Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to save time and ensure you have everything you need.

Use a stand mixer: Utilize a stand mixer to cream the sugar, shortening, and molasses together, which will save time and effort compared to mixing by hand.

Chill the dough: Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, saving time on reshaping.

Batch baking: Bake multiple trays of cookies at once to maximize oven space and save time, especially if you're making a large batch.

Silpat or parchment: Use a Silpat or parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, saving time on scrubbing.

Cookie scoop: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough, ensuring uniform cookies and saving time compared to shaping them by hand.

Cooling rack: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack immediately after removing them from the oven to cool faster and free up the baking sheet for the next batch.

Freezing: Freeze the cookie dough in advance, then simply slice and bake when needed to save time on preparation.

Plan ahead: Plan your baking schedule and prioritize tasks to streamline the process and save time in the kitchen.

Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and equipment as you work to maintain a tidy workspace and save time on cleanup at the end.

Substitute Ingredients For Molasses Cookies Recipe

molasses - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a sweetener and provides a similar depth of flavor to molasses.
shortening - Substitute with butter: Butter can add richness and flavor to the cookies, similar to shortening.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a nuttier flavor and added nutritional value.
ground ginger - Substitute with allspice: Allspice can provide a warm and aromatic flavor similar to ginger.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a leavening agent, but use 3 times the amount of baking powder as baking soda.

How to Present Molasses Cookies

Elevate the cookie: Place the molasses cookie on a delicate porcelain plate to add a touch of elegance.
Artful drizzle: Create a beautiful design on the plate using a caramel sauce to add a visually appealing element to the presentation.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a pop of color and a hint of floral fragrance by delicately placing edible flowers around the cookie.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with powdered sugar to create a stunning contrast and enhance the visual appeal of the cookie.
Serve with a side of whipped cream: Present the molasses cookie alongside a dollop of whipped cream to provide a creamy and luxurious accompaniment.
Use a gold-rimmed plate: Serve the molasses cookie on a gold-rimmed plate to add a touch of sophistication and luxury to the presentation.
Incorporate a chocolate drizzle: Add a touch of decadence by drizzling a rich chocolate sauce over the cookie for an indulgent finishing touch.
Arrange on a tiered serving platter: Display the molasses cookies on a tiered serving platter to create a visually stunning and dynamic presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Molasses Cookies

Mixing bowl: A large, sturdy bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or doughs.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used to bake cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
Spoon: A utensil with a small bowl-shaped head used for stirring, mixing, and serving.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and cooking food by exposing it to dry heat.
Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used to accurately measure and portion out ingredients for recipes.
Mixer: An electric appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients to create batters and doughs.
Cooling rack: A metal rack used to cool baked goods and allow air to circulate around them.
Cookie cutter: A tool used to cut out cookie dough into various shapes before baking.
Pastry brush: A kitchen tool with bristles used to brush on glazes, egg wash, or melted butter onto pastries and baked goods.
Rolling pin: A cylindrical tool used to flatten and shape dough for cookies, pastries, and pies.
Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used to line baking sheets and pans to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Wire whisk: A kitchen utensil with loops of wire used for whipping, beating, and blending ingredients.

Storing and Freezing Molasses Cookies

Allow the molasses cookies to cool completely before storing them. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or sticking together.
Store the cookies in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 1 week. To maintain their freshness, place a piece of bread in the container, which will absorb any excess moisture.
For longer storage, freeze the molasses cookies:
- Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen molasses cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If desired, you can refresh the cookies by placing them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes before serving.
If you have frosted the molasses cookies with vanilla frosting, store them in a single layer in an airtight container. If stacking is necessary, place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between the layers to prevent the frosting from sticking.

How To Reheat Leftover Molasses Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the molasses cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crisp around the edges. This method will restore some of the original texture and flavor of the cookies.
Alternatively, you can use a microwave to reheat the molasses cookies. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the cookies to become tough or rubbery.
For a softer, chewier texture, wrap the molasses cookies in a slightly damp paper towel before microwaving them. This will help to reintroduce some moisture into the cookies, making them more pliable and less likely to dry out during the reheating process.
If you have a few molasses cookies left over, consider crumbling them up and using them as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal. This is a great way to repurpose the cookies and give them a new lease on life.
For a quick and easy dessert, create a molasses cookie sundae by layering crumbled cookies, vanilla ice cream, and a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup. This is a delicious way to use up any leftover cookies and create a new, exciting treat.

Interesting Fact About Molasses Cookies

The molasses cookies recipe is a classic treat that has been enjoyed for generations. These cookies are a great source of iron, thanks to the molasses used in the recipe. Iron is an essential mineral that helps transport oxygen throughout the body and supports overall health. So, indulging in these delicious molasses cookies not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides a nutritional boost!

Is Making Molasses Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?

This molasses cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields a large batch of cookies, making it suitable for a family. The cost for the ingredients is relatively low, and the cookies can be stored for several days, providing a tasty treat for multiple occasions. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10. Overall Verdict: 9/10.

Are Molasses Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?

This molasses cookie recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:

High sugar content: With 1 cup of white sugar and ¾ cup of molasses, these cookies are loaded with simple sugars, which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues when consumed in excess.
Refined flour: The recipe calls for 5 cups of all-purpose flour, which is a refined carbohydrate lacking in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
Shortening: ¾ cup of shortening adds a significant amount of saturated fat to the recipe, which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the sugar content by using ½ cup of white sugar and ½ cup of molasses. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like date paste or applesauce to further reduce the refined sugar content.
Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the cookies.
Substitute the shortening with an equal amount of coconut oil or unsalted butter, which contain healthier fats.
Add ½ cup of finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to boost the protein and healthy fat content while providing a satisfying crunch.
Consider reducing the overall portion size of the cookies to help control calorie intake.

Editor's Opinion on This Molasses Cookie Recipe

This molasses cookies recipe is a classic and comforting treat. The combination of molasses, cinnamon, and ginger creates a warm and rich flavor profile, while the hot water and shortening contribute to a soft and chewy texture. The addition of vanilla frosting adds a touch of sweetness, making it a delightful indulgence. However, I would suggest adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness. Overall, these cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, and they are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves traditional, old-fashioned cookies.

Enhance Your Molasses Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan cheese

Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears drizzled with balsamic glaze and sprinkled with toasted almonds

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed in a honey-lime dressing

Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Succulent grilled chicken breast served over a bed of fettuccine pasta in a rich and creamy alfredo sauce

Similar Recipes to Try

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, it's a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Fresh Fruit Salad: This refreshing fruit salad is a colorful and healthy addition to any meal. With a mix of seasonal fruits and a light citrus dressing, it's the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Creamy Tomato Soup: Indulge in a bowl of creamy tomato soup that's rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Molasses Cookies

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in this creamy and flavorful spinach and artichoke dip, served with crispy tortilla chips or warm bread. It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a rich, flavorful Alfredo sauce. Pair it with your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a quick and flavorful stir fry using thinly sliced beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce. Serve it over steamed rice for a delicious and balanced meal.

Why trust this Molasses Cookies Recipe:

This recipe for molasses cookies is a tried and true classic, guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. The combination of molasses and ginger creates a rich and warm flavor, while the addition of cinnamon adds a delightful hint of spice. The use of shortening ensures a soft and chewy texture, making these cookies absolutely irresistible. With a simple and straightforward method, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Trust in the timeless appeal of these molasses cookies and indulge in a treat that will surely become a household favorite.

Share your thoughts on the Molasses Cookies Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how they turned out!

FAQ:

How can I make the cookies softer?

You can make the cookies softer by reducing the baking time by a couple of minutes. This will result in a chewier texture.

Can I substitute the shortening with butter?

Yes, you can substitute the shortening with an equal amount of butter. However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Simply shape the dough into individual cookie portions, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookie dough portions to a resealable plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?

Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or any other mix-ins to the cookie dough to customize the flavor and texture of the cookies. Just fold them in gently before portioning the dough onto the cookie sheet.