Molasses Cookies
Enjoy the delightful taste and chewy texture of molasses cookies, a classic recipe that warms the heart and home. These cookies are rich in flavor, featuring the deep sweetness of molasses combined with spices like cinnamon and ginger. Perfect for cozy evenings or holiday gatherings, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
– 1 cup molasses
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 egg
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1/2 tsp salt
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, while cooking time is around 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 120
– Total Fat: 4g
– Saturated Fat: 2g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Sugars: 10g
– Protein: 1g
This nutritional information is based on one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and molasses, mixing until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
7. Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are firm.
10. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. If you want a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Serving and Pairings
Molasses cookies pair beautifully with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or even coffee. They can also be served alongside ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store molasses cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect the texture.
- Overbaking will make cookies hard; watch them closely.
- Using cold butter can prevent proper creaming with sugar.
- Not letting the cookies cool on the sheet can cause them to break.
- Skipping spices will reduce the flavor depth.
Helpful Tips
- For extra chewiness, chill the dough before baking.
- Experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes.
- Keep the baking sheet cool between batches to prevent spreading.
FAQs
Can I use blackstrap molasses for this recipe?
Yes, you can use blackstrap molasses, but it has a stronger flavor. Adjust the spices to balance the taste if needed.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should be set, and the centers may look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I add chocolate chips to molasses cookies?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips complement the spices well, adding a delicious twist.
Why are my cookies too flat?
Cookies can flatten if the butter is too warm or if there is too much sugar. Make sure to measure accurately.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, substitute the egg with flaxseed meal and use vegan butter or coconut oil instead.
Conclusion
Molasses cookies are a timeless treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to any occasion. With their rich flavors and comforting textures, they are sure to delight anyone who tries them. Bake a batch today to share with loved ones or enjoy them yourself!
Molasses Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and molasses, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are firm.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
