Nothing evokes cozy holiday vibes quite like Bakery Style Molasses Cookies. These soft and chewy cookies are packed with warm spices—cinnamon, ginger, and cloves—and sweetened with rich molasses, making them irresistibly aromatic and flavorful. Perfect for cookie exchanges, afternoon tea, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these cookies bring the bakery experience right into your home kitchen.

The secret to their soft, chewy texture lies in balancing the wet and dry ingredients and slightly underbaking the cookies so they retain a moist center. Rolling them in sugar before baking adds a subtle crunch on the outside while enhancing the cookie’s deep, spicy sweetness.

Molasses cookies are a classic favorite for autumn and winter, offering a comforting, nostalgic flavor that pairs beautifully with hot beverages or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses
¼ cup granulated sugar, for rolling

Instructions

Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Molasses
Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape Cookies
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in granulated sugar. Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Bake
Bake 10–12 minutes until cookies are set but still soft in the center. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Molasses Cookies

Soft and Chewy: Slightly underbake cookies to maintain a moist, chewy center.
Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
Spice Variation: Adjust the spices to taste, or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain softness.

Variations

Chocolate Molasses Cookies: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour.
Ginger Lovers: Increase ground ginger to 3 tsp for a spicier kick.
Festive Twist: Sprinkle with coarse sugar or sanding sugar before baking for a sparkling look.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Molasses cookies trace back to colonial America when molasses was widely used as a sweetener. Their deep, rich flavor and warm spices made them a staple in early holiday baking. Today, they remain a seasonal favorite, evoking nostalgia and comfort with every bite.

These cookies are often paired with tea, coffee, or milk and are a beloved choice for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, and cozy winter afternoons. The chewy texture and aromatic spices make them stand out from ordinary cookies, offering a bakery-quality experience at home.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen with an extra 1–2 minutes of baking time.
Reheat slightly in the microwave for a soft, fresh-baked feel.