Description
Grandma’s legendary Molasses Cookies deliver a nostalgic comfort from rural American kitchens. Rich spices and deep molasses create a classic treat that connects generations with simple, heartwarming flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters/ml) unsulfured molasses
- 2 tsps baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- Granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 375F (190C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for seamless cookie baking.
- Creaming Process: Vigorously blend softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Wet Ingredient Fusion: Introduce egg and molasses to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until completely integrated and uniform in texture.
- Dry Ingredient Harmony: Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
- Dough Formation: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, combining gently to create a soft, cohesive dough without overmixing.
- Cookie Shaping: Form tablespoon-sized dough balls, roll in granulated sugar to create a sparkling exterior, and position on prepared baking sheets with ample spacing.
- Baking Technique: Bake for 8-10 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve set edges while maintaining a tender, soft center.
- Cooling Protocol: Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture development.
Notes
- Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for perfect creaming, which creates the signature soft texture of these cookies.
- Avoid Overmixing Dough: Gently fold dry ingredients to prevent tough cookies, stopping just when ingredients are combined to maintain a delicate crumb.
- Sugar Coating Technique: Roll dough balls generously in sugar for a crispy exterior and beautiful crackled surface that adds textural contrast.
- Baking Time is Critical: Watch cookies closely during the 8-10 minute window; slight underbaking keeps them wonderfully soft and chewy, preventing dry results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 25
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg