If there is such a thing as a season for cookies, the holidays are it. Over the coming weeks, I will be sharing some of my favorite holiday cookie recipes to enhance your holidays and make you the darling of the neighborhood cookie exchanges. (And if you have a recipe you think I need to try, send it my way!)
Today I'm making Molasses Spice Cookies. I make this cookie every year at the beginning of the holiday season. They are chewy, sweet, spicy, and the perfect companion to a cup of egg nog or warm cider. Word has it that when these are left for Santa, he always takes an extra one for later!
Molasses Spice Cookies
- cup sugar 3/4 cup molasses 3/4 cup shortening
- egg
- cups flour
- teaspoon cinnamon
- teaspoon ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon cardamom 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup sugar for coating
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix sugar, molasses, shortening, and egg until smooth and well combined. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients together before adding to the sugar mixture. Stir until well combined and stiff. Roll the dough into one-inch balls and then roll each ball in the sugar coating twice. (This gives your chewy cookie a nice, sweet "crust.") Place prepared dough balls on a prepared cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove cookies and allow to cool on a baking sheet.
Make molasses spice cookies with practical prep notes, timing cues, serving ideas, and storage guidance that keeps the texture right after cooling.
How to Tell When Molasses Spice Cookies Is Done The best visual cue is usually at the edges. Look for a light golden color, a set outer ring, and a center that still looks slightly soft rather than dry. Most cookies and dessert bars continue to set as they cool, so pulling them at the right moment matters just as much as the bake time itself.
Make-Ahead Tips
For many dessert recipes, the easiest make-ahead move is to prepare the dough or batter in advance, cover it well, and chill it until you are ready to bake. Chilling can also improve texture and help flavor develop, especially when the recipe includes butter, brown sugar, or spices.
Storage Notes
Once fully cool, transfer the finished bake to an airtight container so it holds its texture and flavor longer. Soft cookies and bars usually keep best at room temperature for a few days, while longer storage is often easiest in the freezer with layers separated so nothing sticks together.
Related ideas to explore next If you want to keep building on this topic, good next reads include Recipe Candy Cane Crunch Cookies, Recipe Candy Corn Cookies, and Recipe Drop Sugar Cookies. They are useful for comparing techniques, finding adjacent inspiration, or choosing a Mrs. Fields option that fits a different craving or occasion.
FAQ
1. How should Molasses Spice Cookies look when it is done?
Molasses Spice Cookies is usually ready when the edges look set and lightly golden while the center still feels a little soft. As it cools, the texture will firm up, so it is best to pull it before it looks overbaked.
2. Can I make Molasses Spice Cookies ahead of time?
Yes. The easiest make-ahead option for Molasses Spice Cookies is usually to prepare the dough or key components in advance, chill them if needed, and bake or finish closer to serving time. That keeps the texture fresher and makes final prep easier.
3. What is the best way to store Molasses Spice Cookies?
Store Molasses Spice Cookies in an airtight container after it has cooled completely. Room-temperature storage works well for most baked treats, while chilled storage can help if there is frosting, filling, or a softer texture you want to protect. For best quality, enjoy it within a few days.
