The molasses sugar cookies are perfectly round cookies that are super moist thanks to shortening and molasses in the dough. This recipe makes 72 cookies, so it's perfect for a large party or gathering!
I really do enjoy baking Christmas cookies. Each holiday season, I love to peruse cookbooks and Pinterest to find inspiration for new cookie ideas. There’s always a reason to bake cookies around the holiday season—work Christmas parties, cookie swaps, the list could be endless!
Why you'll love this recipe
I’m a fan of cookies that come together quickly and only use one bowl. These molasses sugar cookies fit the bill just perfectly. They are a wonderful chewy spice cookie that has hints of ginger and clove. Molasses performs the same nifty trick that brown sugar will in baked goods, adding a firm chewiness to these cookies. The cookies are nearly crisp at the edges and though they are exceptionally chewy, they aren't soft.
Heather's helpful hints
I'm quite firm about using real butter for all my baking recipes, but molasses cookies are the one exception. Using shortening will give this cookie its chewiness so I'd recommend NOT to substitute with butter.
More cookie recipes
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Recipe
Equipment
- 19 x 13-inch half-sheet baking pan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shortening 285 grams
- 2 cups granulated sugar 400 grams
- ½ cup molasses 139 grams
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour 480 grams
- 4 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Melt shortening in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments. Let cool slightly.
- Add sugar, molasses, and eggs. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and salt with a whisk.
- Add molasses mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Divide the dough into two and shape it into balls. Wrap in plastic wrap and shape into discs. Chill dough in the refrigerator for three hours or overnight.
- Form the dough into small balls that are approximately 20 grams. Roll in granulated sugar. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper two inches apart.
- Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. Take cookies out when the edges are slightly browned, and crinkles begin to appear on the tops. Cool on the cookie sheet for 10 minutes and then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes and Tips
- I'm quite firm about using real butter for all my baking recipes, but molasses cookies are the one exception. Using shortening will give this cookie its chewiness, so I'd recommend NOT to substitute with butter.
- Store in an airtight container to keep from getting overly crisp. If they do lose their softness, an easy way to restore it is to place one slice of fresh bread in the container with the cookies for a couple of hours or overnight, and they will be soft again!
- I like to use Grandma's robust molasses in this recipe. This is an excellent unsulfured molasses with no artificial flavors. It is more concentrated with a richer flavor than the original.
- The original recipe for Molasses Crinkle Cookies appears on the back of a jar of Grandma's Molasses. This recipe makes some adjustments to the original recipe for better taste.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?! First, let me say THANK YOU for giving it a try!
Please leave us a rating and feedback in the comments section at the bottom of this post. I always love to hear your thoughts and ideas on what went well — and didn't — with a recipe!
Happy Baking!
Heather
Charlotte
My mom made these every holiday time, I loved them. She always used shortening in these cookies. I do not remember her melting it just whipped it with a hand mixer. Do you need to melt it?
Heather
Hi Charlotte, I'm so glad you have a fond memory of these cookies! I've only tested this recipe by melting the shortening since it makes it much easier to incorporate the sugar, eggs, and molasses. My only worry is that whipping it would make it more difficult to mix everything together. I think if you used a hand mixer or stand mixer, it might be possible. Let me know if you give it a try!
mom
One of my all time favorite cookies and yours are so moist and chewy! I could eat way more than I need to.....several days in a row. Great post. Brought back some fun memories of days in the kitchen with you and with my grandma.
Heather @ Sweet Precision
Oh yes, these were an absolute favorite of mine! I actually read someone that said she got hers to last for 3 weeks in storage?! I don't know that I would be that brave, but they do keep very well.
cookiesnchem
This looks scrumptious! I've never had molasses before but I'm sure those cookies are just heavenly and perfect for the holidays. Thank you for sharing such a fabulous recipe - on the to-make list now! :)
Heather @ Sweet Precision
Thank you Cindy! Molasses definitely has really distinct flavor but I think you'll like them. My husband was a little skeptical at first but ended up loving them :)
cookiesnchem
I am sure I will! They look chewy and perfectly flavourful. I think I'll give this recipe a try! My mom has blackstrap molasses at home. Is that the type you used?
Heather @ Sweet Precision
Wonderful! Blackstrap molasses is delicious but it does have a little bit of a bitter taste that might not be the best for cookies. You'd be safe with and dark molasses from the grocery store though!
Antonia
My mother-in-law makes something similar to ting-a-lings. I love the crunch and savory aspect of the chow mein noodles with the sweet. Your cookies look divine. I don't bake with molasses enough..I have to try these :-)
Heather @ Sweet Precision
My mom got the ting-a-ling recipe from her grandmother! I did some poking around on the internet and it seems like there are some recipes out there but I definitely don't think it's a dessert that is widely known. Glad to hear that you enjoy them as well :)
Antonia
I asked my mother-in-law and she uses butterscotch not chocolate. For some reason I thought it was chocolate ;) I bet the ting-a-lings are awesome! Don't you just love childhood food memories...
Heather @ Sweet Precision
Yummy! I bet butterscotch tastes wonderful as well. I will have to try this next time I make a batch, which very well may be this weekend. We've got a cookie swap at work on Monday :) I agree Antonia, there is something special about those foods we remember from childhood!
tableofcolors
I have not made molasses cookies for years...I can just about taste your by looking at the photos on my screen. Too bad you can't send me a virtual sample ;) Maybe I'll "need" to make them this Christmas :)
Heather @ Sweet Precision
This was the first time that I had made molasses cookies in a looong time. They are more of an old fashioned cookie it seems. I think that all food blogs should come with free sampling, it's only fair right?! :)
Sherri
Mmmmm...I can smell these delicious looking cookies from here! Oh Heather, I remember all those homemade cookie swaps when I lived in the States. People here don't do that so much and I miss it. I loved making all those homemade treats with the kids and wrapping them prettily. They make such great gifts :-)
Heather @ Sweet Precision
The cookie swaps are so much fun Sherri! Sometimes I find myself getting a little overwhelmed with all the baking, but I know that I would miss the tradition if I didn't have the opportunity. During the holidays I've found that I'm a fan of cookie recipes that require minimal work and come together quickly.
Sherri
My kind of cookie recipe too Heather...and yes, I feel the same kind of pressure on every front, but those traditions are so important and we feel so happy when we've done it :-)
Jasline @ Foodie Baker
I love cinnamon cookies, but have never added ginger in them, hope to give this a try soon, these look delicious!
Heather @ Sweet Precision
Thank you! Yes the ginger is definitely an excellent addition, it gives them a little extra spice!
Francesca
Gorgeous cookies, Heather! This afternoon Her Majesty and I made some chocolate chip cookies and the whole thing turned out to be a total disaster! ???? Wish you would have been in the kitchen with us!
Heather @ Sweet Precision
Oh no, that is the worst feeling when a batch of cookies doesn't turn out. It's happened to me before and I know it's such a disappointment. Especially if you have to waste some of your ingredients. I always say you learn the most when things don't go the way you planned though. Im sure your next batch will be fabulous ☺️
Lynz Real Cooking
I really love these cookies! My grama used to make them! I will try your recipe!
Heather @ Sweet Precision
Yes, my grandma had a slightly different recipe for molasses cookies also! I always think of these as a more old fashioned type of cookie!
Lynz Real Cooking
yummm
Stephanie Leduc
Yummy!! I love molasses cookies, and this recipe makes SO many of them! Must be amazing, this is a great recipe for the holidays :)
Heather @ Sweet Precision
Thank you! The added bonus is that this recipe makes so many cookies you can use them for several different occasions!