Indulge in the delightful flavors of old-fashioned Molasses Cookies with this classic recipe. These cookies boast a perfect blend of warm spices, including cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground ginger, giving them a rich and aromatic taste that evokes memories of cozy holiday gatherings and sweet childhood moments. The soft and chewy texture, complemented by a sugary coating, makes them a favorite treat for all ages. Whether you’re baking them for a festive occasion or a simple afternoon snack, these Molasses Cookies are sure to be a hit!
YIELD: Makes 3 to 6 dozen depending on the size
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 4 cups sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 4 eggs
- 8 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- Granulated sugar for rolling dough
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl (using a paddle attachment if using a mixer) or by hand, mix all the ingredients together until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into balls about the size of a walnut and roll them in granulated sugar to coat.
- If you prefer larger cookies, use an ice cream scoop to portion the dough (approximately 70 grams or 2½ ounces). Roll the balls in granulated sugar and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. For larger cookies, flatten the dough slightly with your palm and sprinkle more sugar on top.
- Bake the cookies at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch as they puff up and then flatten out during baking. The cookies should have cracks on top with slightly golden brown edges.
- Adjust the baking time to achieve your desired cookie texture—shorter time for soft cookies and longer for crisper ones.
- Enjoy the delicious nostalgia of these Molasses Cookies, which yield about 3 to 6 dozen, depending on the size you choose.
TIPS:
- Perfecting the Dough: Mix the ingredients thoroughly until a soft dough forms. If using a mixer, use the paddle attachment for best results. However, you can also mix the dough by hand if you prefer a more traditional touch.
- Rolling the Dough: For bite-sized cookies, roll the dough into small balls, approximately the size of a walnut. For larger cookies, you can use an ice cream scoop to portion the dough. Sprinkle granulated sugar on the dough balls before placing them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Sugary Coating: To achieve that classic Molasses Cookie look, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking. For larger cookies, slightly flatten the dough balls with your palm and then sprinkle more sugar on top.
- Baking Time: Preheat your oven to 350°F before baking the cookies. The baking time can vary depending on your desired cookie texture. For soft and chewy cookies, bake for around 12 minutes. If you prefer crisper cookies, extend the baking time to about 15 minutes.
Embrace the warmth and spice of these Molasses Cookies as you share them with family, friends, or simply enjoy them as a comforting treat with a cup of hot cocoa or tea.
