Bakery Style Molasses Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a nostalgic treat that instantly warms your heart and your kitchen, this Bakery Style Molasses Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies boast the perfect blend of spicy ginger, cinnamon, and cloves paired with a rich molasses sweetness, resulting in chewy edges with soft, tender centers. Beyond just a dessert, these cookies evoke cozy memories and fill your home with irresistible aromas. Whether you want to bake for a holiday gathering or simply crave a comforting snack, this recipe is one to keep close and share often.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking these delightful Bakery Style Molasses Cookies Recipe cookies. Each component plays a crucial role in crafting the cookie’s texture, flavor profile, and appearance, so having them ready ensures smooth baking and the best results.

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies, providing structure and chewiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances balance and deepens sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve the perfect spread.
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger: Adds warm, spicy notes that define molasses cookies.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers a cozy, aromatic twist.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Introduces a subtle but memorable depth of flavor.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Contributes richness and tenderness.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings moistness and a caramel-like sweetness.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
• 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses: The star ingredient, providing that signature robust and bittersweet complexity.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors beautifully with a sweet, smooth finish.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a delightful crunchy exterior.

How to Make Bakery Style Molasses Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Start by sifting together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of spices and prevents clumps, setting the stage for perfectly balanced flavor in each bite.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with the packed brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This step infuses air into the dough, creating the tender texture that makes these cookies irresistible.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until the batter becomes smooth and fully combined. The molasses lends that signature deep flavor and moisture that make these cookies stand out from your everyday sweet treats.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients on low speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Take care not to overmix here; preserving the dough’s tenderness will ensure melt-in-your-mouth results.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour. This important step helps the flavors develop fully and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, giving you those signature thick, chewy edges.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Proper preparation here helps your cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking, so you get perfect rounds every time.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into balls. Then, gently roll each ball in granulated sugar, which will form a slightly crunchy, sparkling exterior. Place them on the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 8: Bake

Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. They may look slightly underbaked and soft in the center when you first take them out, but don’t worry—they will firm up beautifully as they cool, giving you that unmistakable chewy texture.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief cooling period helps them set perfectly, so you experience that wonderful contrast between the sugary crust and tender inside.

How to Serve Bakery Style Molasses Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar or a light dusting of powdered cinnamon on top right out of the oven. You can also add a small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey to elevate your cookie presentation effortlessly.

Side Dishes

Pair these spicy, sweet molasses cookies with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For a festive treat, serve alongside spiced applesauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast and complement the cookie’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform these cookies into delightful gift packages wrapped in parchment and tied with rustic twine, perfect for sharing your Bakery Style Molasses Cookies Recipe with friends and family. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of cream cheese frosting or dulce de leche for an indulgent twist that will impress any guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their chewy texture and rich flavor wonderfully for up to five days, making them perfect for prepping ahead of a party or simply enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze both unbaked dough balls and baked cookies. For dough, place rolled balls on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready, bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well, too, stored in airtight containers to preserve freshness.

Reheating

Reheat cookies in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave them briefly for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back their fresh-baked softness. Avoid overheating, which can dry them out and ruin the chewy texture that makes these molasses cookies so special.

FAQs

Can I use dark molasses instead of unsulfured molasses?

Absolutely! Dark molasses will give your Bakery Style Molasses Cookies Recipe a stronger, more robust flavor and a deeper color. Keep in mind it can be slightly more bitter, so adjust your sugar if you prefer a sweeter cookie.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough solidifies the fats, allowing the cookies to bake with a thicker shape and more tender crumb. It also gives the spices time to meld, enhancing the cookie’s depth of flavor significantly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum, you can enjoy gluten-free Bakery Style Molasses Cookies. Just be sure to check the blend’s recommended substitution ratio for the best texture.

My cookies spread too much; what went wrong?

Overly warm dough or insufficient chilling can cause excessive spreading. Next time, chill your dough longer and ensure your oven temperature is accurate to maintain the lovely thick, chewy texture you’re aiming for.

How can I make these cookies more chewy?

To increase chewiness, try using a bit more brown sugar and slightly less granulated sugar for rolling. Also, avoid overbaking; pull them from the oven while slightly soft in the center and let them finish setting as they cool.

Final Thoughts

This Bakery Style Molasses Cookies Recipe is truly one of those special finds that becomes a staple in your baking repertoire. Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of spices and sweet molasses that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe yourself and discover how these cookies become your new all-time favorite. Happy baking, and even happier eating!

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