Ah, Spiced Molasses Cookies – a true classic that warms the heart and delights the senses, especially during the Christmas season! I’m thrilled to share this cherished recipe with you. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a little parcel of joy, wrapped in the rich aromas of spices and the deep, comforting sweetness of molasses. This recipe will yield about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring quietly by the fireside.
Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups (A good base for our cookies, providing structure)
- Baking Soda: 2 teaspoons (For that lovely rise and tender texture)
- Ground Spices:
- Cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons (The quintessential holiday spice)
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon (For a warm, spicy kick)
- Cloves: 1/2 teaspoon (A deep, aromatic touch)
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (Just a hint for complexity)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (To balance and enhance flavors)
- Unsalted Butter: 3/4 cup, softened (Richness and moisture)
- Dark Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (For that lovely molasses flavor and moisture)
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (Sweetness and crisp edges)
- Molasses: 1/3 cup (The star ingredient, deep and robust)
- Egg: 1 large (Binding everything together)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (A background note of warmth)
For Rolling:
- Granulated Sugar: As needed (For that sparkly, crunchy exterior)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This blend of spices will make your kitchen smell like Christmas itself!
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that perfect cookie texture.
- Add Molasses and Egg: To the butter mixture, add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. The molasses not only adds flavor but also gives the cookies their signature chewy texture.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – we want tender cookies, not tough ones!
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Shape and Sugar-Coat: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and then roll each ball in granulated sugar. This sugar coating will create a delightful crunch.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are just set around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
And there you have it – Spiced Molasses Cookies that are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Each bite is a blend of warm spices, rich molasses, and a texture that’s perfectly chewy with a hint of crunch. Enjoy these with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk, and let the holiday cheer spread with every bite. Happy baking! 🍪✨🎄