Molasses Cookies

Molasses Cookies are great for a cookie exchange or just for sharing with your family anytime of year. Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Perfectly seasoned with allspice, cinnamon, and a secret ingredient that puts these cookies in a class all their own. They’re sure to become a family favorite.

So, the morning talk shows are telling me that summer is over, what with all the talk about fall fashions and whether you can or cannot wear white at this time of year (BTW, “They” say we can, so aren’t you glad we have permission?). But I have other things on my mind besides jackets, boots, cooler weather and fall leaves, though I’m excited about all those things too. For me, it’s time to get the pantry stocked for the upcoming Baking Season! And every year, one thing that always makes my list – molasses. And friends, add it to your list right now. You won’t be sorry. Because I really want you to make these Molasses Cookies. I discovered this recipe in a great cookbook several years ago and I’ve been making them, by request, ever since. I can find the recipe almost by feel in the cookbook, it practically turns to the page by itself.

Molasses Cookies are similar in flavor to Ginger Snaps, but these cookies have a chewy bite rather than the crunch of traditional ginger snaps, and the recipe actually contains no ginger at all. In fact, the secret ingredient in Molasses Cookies is surprising but essential to the peppery (that’s a hint), ginger flavor. This recipe depends on a healthy dose of ground black pepper. Yep, one full teaspoon of pepper gives Molasses Cookies their interesting bite, but you wouldn’t know what you were tasting unless you were told. In addition to the black pepper, these tasty morsels include ground allspice and cinnamon.

If you stock your pantry with molasses now, you’ll have all the ingredients to make these delicious treats at a whim. The recipe creams together quickly, and then you just roll the dough into one or two-inch balls, depending on your preference (cookies in the photos are from two-inch balls). Roll the balls in additional sugar and bake. Don’t flatten the cookies before baking, they’ll spread out and get this beautiful “crack” all on their own. Cook’s note: Roll cookies in regular sugar, don’t use sanding or large-grain sugar.

The cookies come out of the oven a light-ginger color and continue to darken as they cool. These are perfect with a big glass of milk or cup of coffee or tea. Another reason to be ready for drop-in or invited guests.  Molasses Cookies are perfect at any holiday cookie exchange because they’re super easy, have a unique taste, and the flavor is even better when savored a few days after baking. This recipe has become a favorite treat as the seasons change around here. I hope they become a favorite for you, all year round.

Pin

Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Molasses Cookies

Course Cookies

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Calories 3530

Author Good Dinner Mom

Ingredients 

• ¾ cup sugar plus additional for coating
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 ½ sticks)
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup unsulphered molasses
• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In mixing bowl, cream ¾ cup sugar and ¾ cup butter until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in 1 egg and then add ¾ cup molasses.
• In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 Tablespoon allspice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk together and then add to the sugar and butter combination. Mix well, but don't over mix it.
• Form dough into 1 or 2-inch balls and roll in additional sugar. Place 2 inches apart prepared cookie sheet.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until set. Do not overbake these. You want the inside nice and soft, but FYI, even the extra crispy ones are delicious.
• Repeat with remaining dough until used up.
• If making 1-inch balls, this recipe will make about 4 dozen. If making 2-inch balls, recipe makes 2 dozen. (Photos were made using 2-inch balls)

Cook's Note:

• These cookies are at their peak 24 hours after baking. The spices intensify and the texture is perfection.

Nutrition Facts

Molasses Cookies

Amount Per Serving (24 g)

Calories 3530 Calories from Fat 1314

% Daily Value*

Fat 146g225%

Saturated Fat 89g556%

Trans Fat 6g

Polyunsaturated Fat 7g

Monounsaturated Fat 38g

Cholesterol 530mg177%

Sodium 3538mg154%

Potassium 4160mg119%

Carbohydrates 537g179%

Fiber 10g42%

Sugar 339g377%

Protein 33g66%

Vitamin A 4546IU91%

Vitamin C 2mg2%

Calcium 692mg69%

Iron 25mg139%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Recipe from Lee Bailey’s Country Desserts Cookbook. (If you’re a baker, get.this.book!)