Soft Molasses Cookies: A Recipe for Chewy, Delicious Treats
Are you ready to bake up a batch of irresistibly soft and chewy molasses cookies? This recipe delivers on texture and flavor, guaranteeing a delightful treat for everyone. These cookies are perfect for holiday baking, afternoon snacks, or any time you crave a comforting, slightly spicy sweetness.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even beginner bakers. Gather the following:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: This is crucial for achieving that soft texture. Make sure your butter is truly soft, not melted.
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar: Provides moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- 1/2 cup molasses: The star of the show! Gives the cookies their distinctive deep flavor and keeps them moist.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the cookies, creating a light and airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Enhances the spice profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic complement to molasses.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies. You might need a little more or less depending on your flour.
- Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds texture and nutty flavor.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect soft molasses cookies:
- Cream Together Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer.
- Add Molasses and Eggs: Beat in the molasses and eggs until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in Nuts (Optional): If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop and Bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Soft Molasses Cookie:
- Don't overbake! Slightly underbaked cookies will be softer.
- Use fresh baking soda: Old baking soda can lose its leavening power.
- Adjust spices to your liking: Feel free to experiment with the amount of spices to create your perfect flavor profile.
- Store in an airtight container: This will help keep your cookies soft and chewy for days.
Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!
These soft molasses cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Their rich flavor and chewy texture are irresistible. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats! Happy baking!
