20 Classic Molasses Cookies Everyone Will Love

Introduction

Molasses cookies are a comforting classic, perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday treats. With their rich, spiced flavor and chewy texture, these cookies are simple to make yet endlessly satisfying. Here’s a collection of 20 classic molasses cookie recipes that are sure to delight every sweet tooth.

1. Soft Chewy Molasses Cookies

These cookies are soft in the middle with a slight crisp on the edges, offering that perfect chewy bite.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses
Additional sugar for rolling

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until combined.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat with sugar, and place on baking sheet 2 inches apart.
Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are firm but centers are soft.
Cool 5 minutes on sheet, then transfer to wire rack.

How to Serve It

Serve with a cup of tea or hot cocoa. Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

2. Spiced Molasses Cookies with Orange Zest

The addition of orange zest adds a refreshing citrus note that complements the warm spices.

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses
Zest of 1 orange
Extra sugar for rolling

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar; beat in egg, molasses, and orange zest.
Add dry ingredients to wet. Mix until dough forms.
Roll into balls, coat in sugar, bake 10–12 minutes.
Cool slightly before transferring to wire rack.

How to Serve It

Pairs beautifully with spiced tea or mulled cider.

3. Ginger Molasses Crinkle Cookies

The crinkle pattern and crackled sugar tops make these cookies look as delightful as they taste.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses
Granulated sugar for rolling

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, salt.
Cream butter and sugar; add egg and molasses.
Blend dry ingredients into wet mixture.
Roll dough into balls, coat in sugar.
Bake 10–12 minutes until cracks appear on top.
Cool on wire rack.

How to Serve It

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for dessert.

4. Classic Chewy Molasses Cookies with Molasses Glaze

The glaze adds a subtle sweetness while keeping the cookie moist and chewy.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
½ tsp cloves
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
2 tbsp extra molasses for glaze

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.
Incorporate dry mix. Shape dough into balls.
Bake 10–12 minutes. Cool slightly.
Brush top with molasses glaze while warm.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle lightly with sugar crystals for extra sparkle.

5. Soft Molasses Sandwich Cookies

Sandwiching adds a creamy, sweet center that pairs perfectly with spicy molasses.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
1 cup powdered sugar
½ cup butter (for filling)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine dry ingredients; cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.
Mix in dry ingredients. Form 1-inch balls; bake 10–12 minutes.
For filling: cream butter, sugar, vanilla until smooth.
Sandwich cookies with filling once cooled.

How to Serve It

Perfect for festive gatherings or gifting.

6. Chocolate Chip Molasses Cookies

Adding chocolate chips gives a sweet contrast to the deep molasses flavor.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt.
Cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.
Fold in dry ingredients and chocolate chips.
Drop by spoonfuls onto baking sheet. Bake 10–12 minutes.
Cool on wire rack.

How to Serve It

Enjoy slightly warm so chocolate chips are soft and gooey.

7. Molasses Cookies with Walnuts

Crunchy walnuts add texture and nutty richness to each bite.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
½ tsp cloves
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.
Combine dry ingredients with wet, fold in walnuts.
Shape into balls, bake 10–12 minutes.
Cool before serving.

How to Serve It

Perfect for holiday platters with tea or coffee.

8. Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Pumpkin adds moisture and autumnal flavor to classic molasses cookies.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
½ tsp cloves
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
½ cup pumpkin puree

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Whisk dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add egg, molasses, and pumpkin puree.
Mix in dry ingredients. Bake 10–12 minutes.
Cool slightly before removing from sheet.

How to Serve It

Top with cream cheese frosting for a seasonal twist.

9. Molasses Cookies with White Chocolate Drizzle

The sweet white chocolate drizzle complements the spicy molasses perfectly.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
½ tsp cloves
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
½ cup white chocolate chips, melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.
Combine dry and wet ingredients, bake 10–12 minutes.
Cool cookies, then drizzle with melted white chocolate.

How to Serve It

Let drizzle harden before stacking for serving.

10. Chewy Molasses Cookies with Pecans

Pecans add nutty flavor and crunch to these classic cookies.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
½ tsp cloves
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.
Combine with dry ingredients, fold in pecans.
Shape into balls, bake 10–12 minutes.
Cool on wire rack.

How to Serve It

Serve with milk or coffee for a cozy treat.

11. Molasses Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar

The cinnamon sugar coating gives a crunchy, sweet exterior to soft cookies.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
½ tsp cloves
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
½ cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.
Roll dough into balls, coat with cinnamon sugar. Bake 10–12 minutes.
Cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve It

Best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven.

12. Gingerbread-Style Molasses Cookies

A classic holiday flavor twist, perfect for festive occasions.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp cloves
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.
Add dry ingredients to wet, bake 10–12 minutes.
Cool on wire rack.

How to Serve It

Decorate with icing or powdered sugar for a holiday look.

13. Molasses Cookies with Rolled Oats

Oats add chewiness and hearty texture for a wholesome cookie.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
1 cup rolled oats

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients, cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.
Stir in oats, shape dough, bake 10–12 minutes.
Cool before serving.

How to Serve It

Great with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast cookies.

14. Soft Molasses Cookies with Golden Raisins

Raisins add sweet bursts and a chewy texture to each bite.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
½ tsp cloves
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
1 cup golden raisins

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.
Mix in raisins. Bake 10–12 minutes.
Cool on wire rack.

How to Serve It

Serve slightly warm for soft, plump raisins.

15. Molasses Cookies with Almonds

Almonds add crunch and a delicate nutty flavor.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
½ cup sliced almonds

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.
Fold in almonds. Shape dough, bake 10–12 minutes.
Cool before serving.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle a few extra almonds on top for presentation.

16. Molasses Cookies with Coconut

Coconut adds subtle sweetness and texture contrast.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
½ cup shredded coconut

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.
Stir in coconut. Bake 10–12 minutes.
Cool before serving.

How to Serve It

Serve with tea for a tropical twist.

17. Molasses Cookies with Cardamom

Cardamom adds an aromatic, slightly exotic spice note.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ginger
½ tsp ground cardamom
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.
Bake 10–12 minutes. Cool before serving.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a fragrant, festive cookie.

18. Molasses Cookies with Dark Chocolate Chunks

Chunky chocolate creates pockets of rich flavor in chewy cookies.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
½ tsp cloves
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
1 cup dark chocolate chunks

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.
Fold in chocolate chunks. Bake 10–12 minutes.
Cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve It

Best served warm to enjoy gooey chocolate pockets.

19. Molasses Cookies with Sea Salt

A hint of sea salt balances the sweetness and deepens flavor.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.
Bake 10–12 minutes, sprinkle lightly with sea salt while warm.
Cool before serving.

How to Serve It

Serve with coffee for a sweet-salty treat.

20. Holiday Molasses Cookies with Cranberries

Cranberries add tart sweetness and festive color, perfect for holidays.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
½ tsp cloves
½ tsp salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
¼ cup molasses
½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and molasses.
Stir in cranberries. Bake 10–12 minutes.
Cool before serving.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar for a festive look.

Conclusion

These 20 molasses cookie recipes offer endless ways to enjoy a classic favorite. From chewy to crunchy, with nuts, chocolate, or fruit, there’s something for every taste. Bake a batch, share with loved ones, and let the aroma fill your kitchen. Keep this list handy for your next cozy baking day and spread the warmth.

Chloe Lancaster