Description
Grandma’s Molasses Cookies are a cozy, spiced treat featuring rich molasses, warm cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, accented with a hint of orange zest. These soft, chewy cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or comforting weeknight desserts. The dough is chilled to enhance flavor and maintain shape, then baked to golden perfection for a delightful flavor and texture balance.
Ingredients
Scale
Key Ingredients
- 1 cup (200g) molasses
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the molasses, granulated sugar, and softened unsalted butter. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and well combined, ensuring even sweetness and moisture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and orange zest, mixing thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough tightly and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the chilled dough into balls roughly the size of a golf ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these molasses cookies on their own or paired with cold milk or cream, a warm spiced holiday coffee, or fresh orange segments for a refreshing contrast.
Notes
- For extra citrus flavor, use the zest of one full orange and the juice of half an orange in the dough.
- Chilling the dough is essential to keep the cookies soft and maintain their shape during baking.
- Feel free to experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavor profile.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat frozen cookies, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
