🍪 Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies: A Hug in Every Bite

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,430 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated October 2025

There’s a certain magic that happens when the aroma of warm spices fills your kitchen. It’s the kind of scent that instantly transports you to a cozy memory, a crackling fireplace, or the anticipation of a holiday gathering. These Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies are precisely that magic in edible form. Each bite is a symphony of warmth—ginger’s gentle heat, cinnamon’s embrace, and the deep, comforting sweetness of molasses, all wrapped up in a perfectly chewy texture that practically melts in your mouth. They’re not just cookies; they’re little rounds of pure joy, ideal for sharing with loved ones, gifting during the holidays, or simply enjoying with a steaming mug of tea on a quiet afternoon.

Quick Glance

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes
• 🍽️ Servings: 3 dozen cookies
• 💥 Vibe: Chewy, Spicy, Comforting

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recipe Note

What You’ll Need

 

Gathering your ingredients is the first step on your journey to cookie bliss. Most of these are likely already in your pantry, waiting to be transformed into these delightful, fragrant treats.

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar, plus ½ cup for rolling
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• ¼ cup unsulphured molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create a batch of cookies that will have everyone asking for more.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Beat in the egg, then stir in the molasses and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture might look a little curdled, but don’t worry!
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and develop that perfect chew.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Place the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar in a shallow dish.
8. Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Generously roll each dough ball in the granulated sugar until completely coated.
9. Place the sugar-coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly browned but the centers still look soft and slightly puffed. They will flatten and crinkle as they cool.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but a little creativity can make them even more special!

• Lemon Zest Brightness: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the dough for a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich spices.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, melt some white chocolate chips and drizzle artistically over the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Transform them into a decadent dessert by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies.
• Ginger Glaze: Whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk and a tiny pinch of ground ginger for a simple, sweet glaze to adorn the cooled cookies.

Reviews

These cookies have brought so much joy to so many kitchens! Here’s what some of our fans are saying:

“These are truly the best molasses cookies I’ve ever made! So soft and the spice blend is just perfect. My whole family devoured them in a day!” – Sarah J. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I made these for a holiday potluck, and they were the first dessert to disappear! The chewiness is spot on. Thank you for this amazing recipe!” – Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“A staple in my fall baking now. The smell alone is worth it, but the flavor is out of this world. Highly recommend chilling the dough; it makes all the difference!” – Emily R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

FAQ

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you bake the perfect batch!

Q: Why are my molasses cookies hard instead of chewy?
A: Most likely, they were overbaked. Keep a close eye on them; the centers should look slightly soft when you pull them from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool. Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh!

Q: Can I substitute blackstrap molasses?
A: While you can, blackstrap molasses has a much stronger, more bitter flavor than unsulphured (light) molasses. Using it might result in a less sweet and more intensely flavored cookie, which some prefer, but for the classic soft and chewy taste, stick to unsulphured.

Q: Do I really need to chill the dough?
A: Yes, we highly recommend it! Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also allows the flavors to meld, leading to a richer, more complex taste and that desirable chewy texture.

Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay wonderfully fresh and chewy for up to 5-7 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

There’s something incredibly soul-warming about a homemade cookie, especially one bursting with the comforting flavors of molasses and spice. These Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies aren’t just a recipe; they’re an invitation to create memories, to fill your home with an intoxicating aroma, and to share a little piece of edible happiness with those you love. So go ahead, tie on your apron, gather your spices, and let the joy of baking these irresistible treats wash over you. We promise, your taste buds (and your heart) will thank you!

Recipe Note

For the ultimate chewiness, resist the urge to overbake! The cookies should still look a little soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool, leaving you with that perfect, tender bite.