These Molasses Cookies are inspired by Grandma’s! They’re soft, chewy and so easy to make! The perfect Christmas cookies for your freezer stash.
These soft and chewy Molasses Cookies will always remind me of my Grandma — she always had an impressive cookie stash in her freezer for when we would stop by! Around Christmas, I always have to make a batch.
I love the crisp coating that the sugar gives them as they bake!
Molasses isn’t something I use a lot of throughout the year, but around Christmas time I always need a carton tow hip up my favorite holiday treats!
It has kind of a distinct flavor, and honestly not one that I usually find enticing. But these cookies are one of my favorites this time of year so I can’t resist. They are the perfect combination of warmth and spice and sweetness.
If you want to take things up a notch and go beyond plain old Molasses Cookies, try these White Chocolate Gingersnap Oreos or these White Chocolate Truffle Stuffed Gingersnaps.
What’s the difference between these Molasses Cookies and Gingersnap Cookies?
These are softer and chewier than a traditional gingersnap cookie, but with many of the same flavors. They are still sweet and have mild spice, and that rich, sweet molasses flavor.
I am not a fan of crunchy cookies, so I prefer these soft Molasses Cookies over crispy gingersnaps any day!
How do you store Molasses Cookies?
These cookies keep beautifully, but it should be noted that the strong flavors in this cookie will transfer to other foods, so they should always be kept sealed in a separate container — don’t place them in the same bag or container as other cookies to store.
On the counter:
These Molasses Cookies can be store in an air tight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will be best the first 3 or 4 days, so I recommend moving them to the freezer if you’re not planning to eat them all in that time.
To freeze Molasses Cookies:
These cookies freeze perfectly. Simply place in a large freezer bag or freezer-safe container (you can place wax paper or parchment paper between the layers if you like but it’s not necessary), and freeze up to 3 months.
This is perfect for holiday gift-giving as you can make them quite a ways in advance!
What to do with your leftover Molasses?
Molasses is used in lots of great traditional fall and Christmas recipes. Here are some of my favorite ways to use up leftover Molasses:
Looking for more Christmas Cookie recipes? Here are some of my favorites!
- No-Bake Christmas Tree Cookies
- Fudgy Mint Chocolate No-Bake Cookies
- Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
Molasses Cookies
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup fancy molasses
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes.
- Add egg and molasses and beat on medium speed until combined.
- Add flour, ginger, baking soda and cinnamon and mix on low speed or by hand just until combined. Refrigerate until dough is firm.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll dough into 1-1.5" balls and coat them in granulated sugar. Place on prepared baking sheets and bake for 7-9 minutes, just until centers are set.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Kayla says
Have you ever substituted sorghum for the molasses? Curious if it would be worth a try.
Ashley Fehr says
I have never actually used sorghum for anything before, so I can’t say.
Aimee Shugarman says
hands down, these are my favorite holiday cookies!
Alli says
This is the perfect molasses cookie recipe! We absolutely cannot get enough of these!
heather says
Love making these cookies for Christmas. This recipe is delicious!
Shirley says
I press these lightly with my fingertips right after removing from oven, then leave on sheet for a few minutes to firm up. The pressing makes them even more chewy!
Carolyn says
These look so puffy and perfect!
Sabrina says
Adding these to my baking list for the holidays! I love a good chewy cookie!
Rachel says
Thanks so much for this recipe! Great make ahead for the Holidays!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Rachel!