Envision the comforting aroma of warm spices and molasses drifting through your kitchen, instantly recalling cherished holiday memories. These old-fashioned spiced molasses cookies embody all that is comforting about the season—soft interiors, chewy centers, and a slightly crisp, sugary exterior. Perfect alongside a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, they evoke the timeless joy of home-baked treats shared with loved ones.
Soft and chewy, with a well-balanced spiced molasses flavor, these cookies beautifully capture the essence of the holidays. While you can certainly enjoy them any time of year, there’s something about their dark sweetness and gentle crackle on top that signals the arrival of festive celebrations. Once you taste one, it might be hard to stop, so bake generously for family, friends, and anyone in search of a classic seasonal treat.
Ingredients For old-fashioned spiced molasses cookies
- 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed (about 200 g)
- 3/4 cup butter-flavored shortening (about 150 g)
- 1 egg (about 50 g)
- 1/2 cup molasses (about 120 ml)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (about 300 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (about 2.5 g)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda (about 8 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (about 1 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice (about 1 g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (about 2 g)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (about 2 g)
- Granulated sugar, for rolling (as needed)
How To Make old-fashioned spiced molasses cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (about 180°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar and butter-flavored shortening until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and molasses, mixing well until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, salt, baking soda, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the molasses mixture until fully incorporated. The dough will be stiff.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch (about 2.5 centimeters) in diameter.
- Roll each ball in granulated sugar and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches (about 5 centimeters) apart.
- Bake for 8-9 minutes.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes until set.
- Transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
As you take your first bite, let the warm spices, gentle molasses sweetness, and tender texture draw you into the spirit of the season. These cookies bring old-fashioned warmth to your home and encourage moments of togetherness, whether enjoyed after a long day or shared during a festive gathering. With their enduring appeal, these spiced molasses cookies promise to become a cherished tradition that brightens your holidays year after year. Enjoy every comforting crumb!
