Do you ever get a craving for something sweet and comforting, like a warm hug in a cookie? Well, I have the perfect recipe to satisfy that craving – Soft Molasses Cookies. These cookies are the epitome of comfort food, with their chewy texture and warm flavors of molasses, cinnamon, and ginger.

But what makes this recipe so special? These Soft Molasses Cookies are more than just your ordinary cookie. They are a symbol of tradition, heritage, and nostalgia. This cookie recipe has been passed down through generations and will likely be passed on for many more to come.

Not only do these cookies taste fantastic but they are also easy to make with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. With a little bit of mixing and baking time, you can enjoy homemade cookies that are far better than any store-bought treats.

So why not give this Soft Molasses Cookie recipe and try? It is sure to become a staple in your cookie rotation and might even bring back fond memories of baking with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You know what they say – the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. And let me tell you, these soft molasses cookies are sure to win over any heart.

First and foremost, these cookies are incredibly delicious. With just the right amount of spice from cinnamon and ginger, complemented by a rich sweetness from molasses and sugar, each bite is nothing short of heavenly. Plus, they’re soft and chewy on the inside with a slight crunch on the outside – the perfect cookie texture.

But that’s not all – there’s something special about these cookies that sets them apart from all the rest. Maybe it’s the addition of sour cream that gives them an extra depth of flavor, or maybe it’s the fact that they’re iced with a decadent frosting made with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whatever it is, these cookies truly are a standout recipe.

Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking soda, eggs, and butter (or margarine), you can whip up a batch in no time. And if you’re looking for something a little different or want to put your own twist on the recipe, there are plenty of substitution options to play around with.

So whether you’re looking for a festive holiday treat or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these soft molasses cookies are sure to be a hit. Trust me – once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredient List

The Ingredients You Need For Soft Molasses Cookies & Icing Recipe

Here are the ingredients you need to make this soft molasses cookies recipe along with the ingredients that you will require for the icing. These cookies are chewy and soft, making them an excellent treat for those who enjoy gingerbread or molasses flavors.

For The Cookies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup molasses
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

For The Icing:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk or cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Molasses gives these cookies their deep, rich flavor and is a key ingredient in traditional molasses cookies. The combination of cinnamon and ginger spices adds warmth to the sweetness with subtle hints of caramel undertones. The powdered sugar in the icing makes it easy to create a smooth texture while adding another layer of sweetness to complement the spicy flavors of the cookie.

The Recipe How-To

Now comes the fun part: making the cookies! Before proceeding, make sure you have gathered all of the ingredients, tools and equipment you need. Here are the steps to making the soft molasses cookies:

Making the Cookie Dough
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the 1 cup of butter (softened) until it is light and fluffy using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes. Then, gradually add in 1 cup of white sugar and 1/2 cup of brown sugar, then continue mixing until well combined.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in 1 large egg, 1/4 cup sour cream, and 1 cup of molasses into the butter-sugar mixture. Continue beating until everything is well incorporated.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of ground ginger, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing them together until just combined. Don’t overmix!

Step 4: Chill The Dough (optional)

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight. Chilling helps to prevent spreading while baking or to shape into balls easily.

Step 5: Shape and Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form dough portions that are about one tablespoon each. Roll them into balls and place them onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake each sheet for about 12 minutes or until cookies are set around edges but still slightly soft in the center.

Making the Icing

While you’re waiting for your cookies to cool, you can make your icing! Here’s how:

Step 6: Prepare Icing

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of milk, 3 cups of powdered sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Glaze should be thin enough to spread but thick enough to stay on top.

You can also add ground cinnamon and ginger for a spiced glaze or cream cheese frosting for sandwich cookies.

Afterward, spread frosting onto cooled cookies with an offset spatula or knife. Allow frosting to set completely before serving or storing your delicious molasses cookies!

Substitutions and Variations

A batch of delicious cookies fresh out of the oven

When it comes to baking, experimentation is key. Fortunately, this recipe is flexible enough to accommodate swaps and variations that can transform the classic Soft Molasses Cookies into new and exciting treats.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can replace the white sugar with coconut sugar or honey. Both have natural sweetness but with lower glycemic index than processed sugar. You can also substitute butter with margarine or vegetable shortening if you want to make your cookies dairy-free.

To add more depth of flavor to the cookies, try adding ground cinnamon or cloves alongside the ginger. You don’t have to stick to just one spice – mix and match until you find your favorite combination.

For iced molasses cookies, you can experiment with different types of frosting. Cream cheese frosting complements well with the spiced soft molasses cookies while a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk can enhance the richness of frosted molasses cookies.

If you’re making these cookies for a special occasion or as edible gifts, consider sandwiching two soft gingerbread cookies using cream cheese icing in between – it would make for a delicious chewy ginger cookie that is sure to impress.

If baking at high altitude, increase the flour by 1/4 cup and reduce baking soda by 1/8 teaspoon for best results.

In summary, making substitutions and variations to this classic molasses cookie recipe is easy with its versatile base ingredients. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Serving and Pairing

A warm and comforting treat for any occasion

Once your soft molasses cookies are baked to perfection, it’s time to think about how you’ll present them. These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon but can also be served as a delightful treat after dinner. I love to serve them on a Fall-themed platter adorned with autumn leaves and acorns. The earthy tones of the platter complements the warm, rich flavors of these soft molasses cookies.

For a touch of elegance, I like to place an iced molasses cookie on top of each cup or glass at a dinner party for a show-stopping display that your guests will surely appreciate. Additionally, if you’re feeling adventurous, try using these cookies as a base for ice cream sandwiches with a dollop of freshly whipped cream between. You can even add festive sprinkles to create a fun and memorable treat.

Overall, there is no shortage of creative ways to serve these soft molasses cookies – with their chewy texture and spiced flavor profile, they are sure to elevate any occasion!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Soft and chewy cookies that melt in your mouth

Picture this: A cozy winter night with a plate of freshly baked soft molasses cookies by your side. Now, imagine having that exact same experience on a busy weeknight without having to bake the cookies from scratch. Sounds like a dream? It doesn’t have to be!

One of the great things about soft molasses cookies is their versatility when it comes to make-ahead and storing options. You can make a batch in advance and store them for later use or even freeze them for longer longevity.

To make-ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions as usual and let the cookies cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or ziplock bag and store at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Alternatively, you can freeze the soft molasses cookies for up to 2 months. To do this, let the cookies cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or ziplock bag. Place them in the freezer and thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to eat them.

When it comes to reheating, there are several options:

– Microwave: Simply heat up one or two cookies at a time in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.

– Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the desired number of cookies on a baking sheet and bake for about 3-4 minutes until warm.

– Toaster Oven: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place one or two cookies on the baking pan and bake for about 3-4 minutes until warm.

Remember, although reheating will make your soft molasses cookies taste almost as good as new, nothing beats freshly baked cookies straight out of the oven. So, take a few extra minutes whenever possible to enjoy that hot-out-of-the-oven goodness!

Tips for Perfect Results

Spice up your dessert game with these molasses cookies

It’s important to follow the recipe instructions carefully for the best results, but there are a few tips and tricks you can use to ensure your soft molasses cookies come out perfectly each time.

First, make sure you are using fresh ingredients. This includes checking the expiration dates on items like baking soda and flour. Old ingredients can affect the texture and taste of your cookies.

When measuring flour, make sure to spoon it gently into your measuring cup and level off with a knife. Overpacking flour can result in dry, tough cookies.

Don’t overmix your dough as this can also lead to tough cookies. Mix only until all the ingredients are combined.

Chill the dough before baking for at least 30 minutes to help it set and firm up. This will help prevent spreading in the oven and give you thicker, softer cookies.

When forming your cookie balls, try using a cookie scoop or using a consistent size to ensure even baking times and uniform cookies.

Lastly, don’t overbake your cookies – they should still be slightly soft when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to cook on the hot cookie sheet for a few minutes before being transferred to a wire rack to cool.

By following these tips for perfect results, you’ll have delicious and soft molasses cookies every time!

FAQ

As with any recipe, you may have some questions about the Soft Molasses Cookies & Icing Recipe. To ensure that you can make these delicious soft molasses cookies perfectly every time, I have compiled a list of some common questions and concerns. From ingredient substitutions to storage tips and high altitude adjustments, read on for all the answers you need in this FAQ section.

Why are my molasses cookies so hard?

When making cookies, it’s important to get the right balance of flour and moisture in your dough. If you find that your dough is too wet, your cookies may not hold their shape very well. To fix this, you can try gradually adding more flour to the mix, a tablespoon at a time. Another solution is to reduce the amount of liquids in your recipe (in this case, that would be the molasses) by a tablespoon or two.

How do you make cookies softer?

Are you looking to get soft, delicious cookies in a short amount of time? Try baking them quickly in a hot oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike lower temperatures, this will prevent your cookies from sitting and drying out in the oven’s hot air. If you want even softer results, try slightly underbaking the cookies instead of cooking them for the full amount of time listed in the recipe. Give it a try and see how your cookies turn out!

What is the best molasses to use for cookies?

When molasses is extracted from sugarcane or beet juice, it undergoes a boiling process. After the initial stage, the resulting molasses is classified as light, mild or baking molasses. This type of molasses is the sweetest of them all since it retains the highest amount of sugar. Its sweet profile makes it a perfect ingredient in the making of desserts like cakes, gingerbread, and molasses cookies.

What does molasses do for cookies?

Molasses plays a vital role in cookies as it provides a burst of flavor and enhances sweetness in combination with sugar. Additionally, as one of the wet ingredients in the batter, it contributes to the rich brown color of the final product. Thus, molasses is an essential ingredient in making delicious and visually appealing cookies.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, these soft molasses cookies with icing are nothing short of amazing. With their perfectly spiced flavor, soft and chewy texture, and delightful sweetness from the icing, they are truly the perfect treat for any occasion. I hope that my detailed recipe and tips have inspired you to give them a try in your own kitchen.

Remember, baking is an art form that can be enjoyed by anyone with a little patience and practice. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and embark on this delicious baking journey with me. I guarantee that the end result will be well worth the effort.

Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for later after storing or reheating them properly, these soft molasses cookies with icing are sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your craving for something sweet.

So what are you waiting for? Gather all the necessary ingredients from our ingredient list, follow my detailed instructions in the recipe how-to section, and indulge in these perfectly spiced and sweet soft molasses cookies with icing recipe. Trust me – once you taste them, you’ll be hooked!

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Steven

Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.

Soft Molasses Cookies: A Perfect Winter Delight