This Bakery Style Molasses Cookies recipe combines the warm, comforting flavors of molasses with a soft, chewy texture that everyone will love. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as an everyday treat, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress. With warming spices and a delightful sugar-crackled finish, they stand out in any dessert spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a deep, satisfying taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for holidays, parties, or just a cozy night in. They pair well with coffee or tea!
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Enjoy the perfect balance between softness and chewiness with every bite of these delightful cookies.
- Make Ahead Option: The dough can be prepared in advance and chilled, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Plastic wrap
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for a light texture.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze while ensuring even baking for your 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. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth. Ensure everything is well incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix as this can affect texture.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling enhances flavor and helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Step 6: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
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 before placing it on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The cookies will appear slightly soft in the center when removed but will firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Bakery Style Molasses Cookies!
How to Serve Bakery Style Molasses Cookies
Bakery Style Molasses Cookies are delightful on their own, but they can be served in many creative ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing that complements the rich flavors of the cookies. Choose whole, almond, or oat milk for a delicious drink.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve the cookies warm and top them with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Festive Cookie Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread or sugar cookies for a beautiful display.
Dipped in Hot Chocolate
- Enjoy these cookies dipped into a steaming cup of hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience, especially during colder months.
Crumbled Over Yogurt
- Crumble cookies over vanilla yogurt for a tasty breakfast or snack option that adds texture and flavor.
Paired with Tea or Coffee
- Enjoy your Bakery Style Molasses Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee. The spices in the cookies complement chai or dark roast coffee wonderfully.
How to Perfect Bakery Style Molasses Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Bakery Style Molasses Cookies, keep these tips in mind.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerating your dough for at least one hour prevents excessive spreading and enhances flavor.
Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for maximum flavor impact. Old spices can dull the taste of your cookies.
Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients to maintain softness in your cookies.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, as an incorrect setting can affect baking times.
Cool Properly: Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their shape and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Bakery Style Molasses Cookies
Bakery Style Molasses Cookies make a great addition to various meals and snacks. Here are some side dish ideas that pair well with them.
Spiced Apple Cider: A warm beverage with cinnamon and cloves that enhances the cookie’s flavors perfectly.
Cheese Plate: Include sharp cheddar or creamy brie, which balances sweetness while adding richness.
Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits like apples, pears, and berries provide a refreshing contrast to the rich molasses flavor.
Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness when served alongside the cookies.
Nutty Granola: Serve alongside yogurt topped with a crunchy nut granola for breakfast versatility that pairs nicely with molasses flavors.
Roasted Nuts: A mix of spiced roasted nuts adds crunch and saltiness that contrasts beautifully with sweet cookies.
Pumpkin Soup: This creamy soup has spices that complement molasses perfectly, making it an inviting side during fall gatherings.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Create an ice cream sundae station where guests can top scoops with crumbled cookies for added texture and flavor fun!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Bakery Style Molasses Cookies can be delightful, but some common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are key pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating the dough can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill your dough for at least one hour.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a soft texture.
- Incorrect measuring of flour: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
- Not using fresh spices: Old spices can dull the flavor of your cookies. Ensure your spices are fresh for the best taste.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cookie consistency. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Bakery Style Molasses Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Bakery Style Molasses Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Bakery Style Molasses Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Bakery Style Molasses Cookies:
Can I use different spices in Bakery Style Molasses Cookies?
Yes! You can customize the spice blend based on your preference. Consider adding nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
What makes Bakery Style Molasses Cookies chewy?
The combination of brown sugar and molasses contributes to their chewy texture, along with proper baking time.
Can I replace unsalted butter in this recipe?
Certainly! You can use salted butter, but reduce added salt slightly to balance flavors.
How do I know when my Bakery Style Molasses Cookies are done?
Look for edges that are firm but centers that appear slightly soft. They will continue cooking as they cool.
Final Thoughts
These Bakery Style Molasses Cookies are not just delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Customize them with nuts or chocolate chips, or enjoy them plain! Their warm spices and chewy texture make them perfect for holiday gatherings or an everyday treat. Give this recipe a try and savor every bite!
Bakery Style Molasses Cookies
Bakery Style Molasses Cookies are the epitome of comfort food, bringing together the rich flavors of molasses and warm spices for an irresistible treat. With their soft and chewy texture, these cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The delightful sugar-crackled finish adds a charming touch that will impress family and friends. Easy to prepare, this recipe requires basic ingredients and minimal effort, making it accessible for bakers at any skill level. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth or create a cozy dessert spread, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
- Cream softened butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough covered with plastic wrap for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and coat in granulated sugar before placing them on baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until slightly soft in the center; cool before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
