Oh, Christmas! Is there anything better than the smell of cookies baking in the oven? For me, it just *screams* holiday cheer! Every year, I bust out my trusty apron and get to work, and this soft molasses cookie recipe for Christmas is always at the top of my list. Seriously, these aren’t your average cookies – they’re melt-in-your-mouth amazing!
I remember one Christmas Eve when I was little, my grandma let me help her make these. I was so excited, I accidentally dumped half the cinnamon in! Oops! We salvaged it (mostly!), and they still tasted incredible. That’s the beauty of a good recipe, right? A little love (and maybe a little extra sugar!) always makes it work. What I truly adore about this soft molasses cookie recipe for Christmas (besides the fact they are SO easy) is that perfectly soft and chewy texture. It’s like a warm hug in every bite. This recipe has been passed down through generations, and trust me, it’s a keeper! I’ve tweaked it over the years, and after countless batches (my family are very willing taste testers!), I’ve arrived at what I think is truly cookie perfection. I’ve been baking for over 20 years now, and this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas
Okay, seriously, why *won’t* you love these cookies?! Here’s the lowdown:
Quick and Easy Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas
Listen, I’m all about easy, especially during the holidays! This recipe uses simple steps and ingredients you probably already have. No fancy equipment needed!
Perfectly Spiced Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas
Cinnamon, ginger, cloves…oh my! The spice blend is just *chef’s kiss*. It’s warm, comforting, and totally festive.
Soft and Chewy Texture
This is the BEST part! These cookies are unbelievably soft and chewy. Seriously, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Ingredients for Your Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for the *best* soft molasses cookies ever. Don’t skimp on quality – it makes a difference!
- 3/4 cup shortening (yep, shortening! It gives them that perfect texture)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for the dough, of course!)
- 1/4 cup molasses (the *soul* of these cookies!)
- 1 large egg (to bind it all together)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (no fancy stuff needed)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda (for that little lift!)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (warmth and spice!)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (a little zing!)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (don’t overdo it – it’s potent!)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for coating (makes ’em sparkle!)
Make sure your shortening is at room temp – it creams better that way! And measure everything carefully, okay? Baking is a science!
How to Make the Best Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Follow these steps, and you’ll have the most amazing Soft Molasses Cookies ever. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Preparing the Dough for Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important! You want that oven nice and ready. Now, in a large bowl, cream together the shortening and 1 cup of sugar. Get it light and fluffy – I use my mixer for this, but you can totally do it by hand if you’re feeling strong! It should look kinda like whipped cream when you’re done. Then, beat in the molasses (that sweet, dark goodness!) and the egg. Mix it all up until it’s well combined.
In a *separate* bowl (don’t skip this!), whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything’s evenly distributed. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing makes tough cookies, and nobody wants that. You want a nice, soft dough. If you see a little flour still hanging out, that’s totally fine!
Shaping and Coating Your Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas
Now for the fun part! Grab a chunk of dough and roll it into a 1-inch ball. They don’t have to be perfect – rustic is cute, right? Then, roll each ball in the 1/4 cup of sugar. This gives them that sparkly, festive look and a little extra sweetness. I like to use a small cookie scoop to make sure they’re all about the same size. Makes them bake more evenly, you know?
Baking Your Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas to Perfection
Place the sugared cookie dough balls on ungreased baking sheets. You don’t need parchment paper for this recipe, but if you’re worried about sticking, go for it! Now, pop those babies in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them! You want the edges to be set, but the centers should still be a little soft. They’ll continue to bake a bit as they cool. Don’t overbake them, or they’ll be crunchy instead of chewy. When they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And that’s it! Get ready to enjoy the best soft molasses cookies ever!
Tips for the Softest Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas
Okay, you wanna know my secrets for *seriously* soft cookies? First, don’t overbake them! I know I already said it, but it’s SO important! Err on the side of slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool, promise! Also, store them in an airtight container. I use a big cookie jar with a tight lid. Keeps ’em soft and chewy for days…if they last that long!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Shortening is my go-to for that classic texture, but if you’re not a fan, you *could* use softened butter. Just know that butter might make them spread a bit more. For the molasses, dark molasses gives the richest flavor, but light molasses works in a pinch. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice instead of the individual cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. It’s a fun twist! Just promise me you won’t skip the molasses altogether – it’s what makes these cookies, well, *molasses* cookies!
Storing Your Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas
Alright, so you’ve baked these amazing cookies…now what? The key to keeping them soft is an airtight container. Seriously, that’s it! Just pop ’em in a container with a tight-fitting lid and store them at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for days…if you don’t eat them all first!
Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas
Got cookie questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about this *amazing* soft molasses cookie recipe.
Can I freeze Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas dough?
Absolutely! Freezing the dough is a great way to get ahead during the busy holiday season. Just roll the dough into balls, coat them in sugar, and then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months! When you’re ready to bake, just thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. So easy!
How do I keep Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas soft?
Okay, this is *key*! First, don’t overbake them! I know, I sound like a broken record, but it’s so important. Second, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread (seriously!). The bread will help absorb any extra moisture and keep the cookies nice and soft. Works like a charm!
What can I substitute for molasses in Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas?
Okay, so molasses is kinda the star of the show here, but if you’re in a bind, you *could* try dark corn syrup or honey. Just know that it will change the flavor a bit. The cookies won’t have that same deep, rich molasses flavor, but they’ll still be yummy! Brown sugar can also work in a pinch!
Nutritional Information for Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas
Okay, so you wanna know what you’re getting into, huh? Each cookie is about 120 calories, with 6g fat, 1g protein, and 16g carbs. But hey, it’s Christmas! And remember, that’s just an estimate!
Share the Holiday Joy: Make This Soft Molasses Cookie Recipe For Christmas!
Go on, bake a batch and spread some cheer! And hey, leave a comment and let me know how they turned out. Happy baking!
Print
Unbelievably Soft: Molasses Cookie Recipe for Christmas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy molasses cookies, perfect for Christmas. Enjoy these spiced cookies with a warm drink.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together shortening and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in 1/4 cup sugar.
- Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are set.
- Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra soft cookies, don’t overbake.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain softness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
