Spiced molasses cookies always bring me back to cozy days and holiday baking. These cookies are chewy in the center, crisp around the edges, and packed with the perfect blend of spices and rich molasses. If you want a nostalgic treat that’s both easy and delightfully crowd-pleasing, spiced molasses cookies will hit the spot.
Contents
Spiced Molasses Cookies Recipe
Spiced Molasses Cookies is a classic cookie recipe that balances deep, robust molasses flavor with the perfect medley of warming spices. What I love about these cookies is the combination of dark brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Together, they give every bite a rich, comforting taste; soft, chewy, and never dry.
These cookies are especially popular around the holidays. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, filling the cookie tin for guests, or just treating yourself, these cookies always make things feel a little more special.
Spiced molasses cookies can be enjoyed with hot cocoa or spicy chai tea. For festive occasions, try serving the cookies with mulled wine or spiced apple cider. Cinnamon lattes, strong black coffee, or a cold glass of milk are also a great option.
On a dessert table, these cookies pair well with creamy vanilla ice cream or make a wonderful base for ice cream sandwiches. They also shine alongside caramel bread pudding or as part of a holiday spread that includes gingerbread cake and pecan bars.
These treats can grace a brunch table alongside fruit salad, banana bread, or pumpkin muffins. For a cheese board, try combining the cookies with sharp cheddar or creamy brie.
This is how I made the spiced molasses cookies:
Spiced Molasses Cookies
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Set to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes if too soft.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each in granulated sugar.
- Place on sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes until tops are cracked but centers still soft.
- Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar before baking.
- Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months—bake straight from the freezer, adding 1 extra minute.
- If you like a stronger spice profile, add a pinch more ginger or a dash of black pepper.
Variations
Spiced Molasses Cookies have many variations with different flavors and tastes. You can try one of them below:
- Oatmeal Molasses Cookies include rolled oats for added chewiness and a hearty texture in every bite.
- Iced Spiced Cookies are topped with a drizzle of simple vanilla or lemon glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.
- Extra Ginger Molasses Cookies add minced fresh ginger or candied ginger bits for an even bolder ginger kick.
- Chocolate-Dipped Molasses Cookies are half-dipped in melted semi-sweet chocolate, creating a blend of richness and spice.
- Vegan Version swaps butter and eggs for coconut oil and flax eggs, making a plant-based version without losing chewiness.
- Citrus-Infused Molasses Cookies use orange or lemon zest in the dough for a subtle citrus fragrance alongside the spices.
- Nutty Molasses Cookies include chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
- Sandwich Molasses Cookies are filled with cinnamon or maple cream to transform the classic into a sandwich treat.
- Brown Butter Spiced Cookies incorporate browned butter in the dough, giving a richer, deeper flavor with caramel notes.