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Ultimate Molasses Cookies Recipe
Indulge in the delightful taste of our Ultimate Molasses Cookies! These cookies feature a slightly crisp, sugar-coated exterior and a soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth. With their rich flavors of ginger and molasses, they are the quintessential holiday treat! Perfect for your next festive gathering or simply as a sweet indulgence.
Molasses brings an intense depth of flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes beautifully. From Warm Gingerbread Cake drizzled with Caramel Sauce to Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken that practically falls off the bone, molasses is an exciting ingredient to incorporate into your cooking repertoire!
I discovered this winning recipe during a cookie contest several years ago, and it has remained a favorite ever since! Originating from the 1970s, its timeless appeal continues today. The bold taste of molasses harmonizes perfectly with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves before being rolled in sugar for just the right amount of crunch. If you appreciate rich yet not overly sweet cookies, this recipe is sure to please—it’s like Christmas on a plate!
This cherished handwritten recipe comes from Millie Dunn via her daughter Megan from San Diego—a true classic from the 1970s that makes every holiday season complete.
Key Ingredients for Molasses Cookies
Feel free to double this recipe if you’re looking to make extra batches!
- Shortening: I recommend using butter-flavored shortening.
- Sugar: This will be used in both the cookie dough and for rolling.
- Molasses: Opt for dark molasses; it should be thick with robust flavor.
- Egg: Use one large egg.
- Flour: All-purpose or unbleached flour works well here.
- Baking Soda: This acts as your leavening agent.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger & Cloves): These spices pair wonderfully with molasses.
- Salt: A pinch enhances overall flavor balance.
- White Chocolate Chips (Optional): For added sweetness if desired.
How to Make Delicious Molasses Cookies
Cookies are always welcome at any table—especially during holidays!
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with cooking spray.
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Melt Shortening: In either a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the shortening until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before adding sugar, molasses, and egg; mix until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger cloves salt until evenly mixed.
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Form Dough: Gradually add dry ingredients into wet mixture while stirring until dough forms.
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Shape Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough; roll them into balls then coat each ball in sugar before placing them on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.
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Bake & Cool:
- Bake cookies for approximately 8–10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Let cool on wire racks after removing from oven; optional: dip cooled cookies into melted white chocolate chips decorated with festive sprinkles!
Understanding Molasses Varieties
When selecting molasses at stores:
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Light Molasses: Derived from first boiling—light color & mild flavor ideal for various baked goods including marinades & sauces!
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Dark Molasses: Thicker syrup resulting from second boiling—perfectly suited for gingerbread recipes due its less sweet profile!
3 .Blackstrap Molassess: Very thick/dark syrup produced after third boiling—bitter taste best reserved only when specified by certain recipes!
Unsulphured vs Sulphured
Unsulphured varieties lack strong chemical flavors found in sulphured options which use sulfur dioxide as preservative making unsulphured preferable choice among bakers seeking sweeter results without overpowering tastes present otherwise found within sulphur-treated products.
Tips & Variations:
These classic cookies make excellent additions not just during Christmas but throughout winter festivities too!
1 .Chill Dough Before Rolling : Helps maintain shape while rolling though optional step!
2 .Adjust Spice Levels : Add more ground ginger if desired—or try fresh grated ginger instead!
3 .Experiment With Toppings : Try melting milk chocolate chips/butterscotch chips instead—or roll finished balls through colored sugars prior baking process itself creating visually appealing treats perfect gifting occasions alike!
4 .Storage Options : Store these delightful morsels at room temperature inside airtight containers up-to week long freshness guaranteed! Alternatively freeze leftovers up-to four months without compromising quality!
More Cookie Recipes You’ll Love:
Because who doesn’t enjoy making—and eating—cookies?
- Gooey S’mores Cookies
- Cowboy Cookies
- White Chocolate Oreo Delights
- Classic Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Treats
For visual learners check out our video tutorial showcasing how easy these scrumptious treats come together HERE:
Pin this recipe now so you can easily find it later!
Nutritional Information per Cookie: Calories: 140 kcal | Carbohydrates: 19 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 7 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 7 mg | Sodium:144 mg| Potassium :65 mg| Fiber :1g| Sugar :11g| Vitamin A :10 IU| Calcium :11mg| Iron :1mg|
(Note nutritional values calculated automatically may vary based upon specific ingredients used.)
About Alyssa Rivers: Alyssa Rivers is an accomplished food photographer/recipe developer known widely through her book ‘The Tried-and-Tested Cookbook’. Her passion shines through tried-and-tested creations featured across platforms such as Good Morning America , Today Food , Buzzfeed among others !