Gooey Soft Molasses Cookies

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

These deeply spiced soft molasses cookies offer a perfect balance of chewiness and gooey texture. Made with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, they deliver rich flavor in every bite. The dough is gently mixed and rolled in granulated sugar before baking to achieve slightly crisp edges and tender centers. Perfect for holiday baking, they require no mixer and bake quickly at 350°F. Enjoy the comforting aroma and satisfying softness that lasts for days when properly stored.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:57:00 GMT
Gooey Soft Molasses Cookies piled high, warm and fragrant from the oven, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Gooey Soft Molasses Cookies piled high, warm and fragrant from the oven, ready to enjoy. | amberkettle.com

Deeply spiced, irresistibly soft molasses cookies with a chewy center perfect for holiday baking and simple to make without a mixer.

I love making these molasses cookies every holiday season it fills the kitchen with warm spices and brings back fond memories.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled, 1 cup (200 g) packed dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsulphured molasses, 1 large egg at room temperature, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For Rolling: 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl whisk together flour ginger cinnamon cloves nutmeg baking soda and salt.
Step 3:
In a large bowl whisk together melted butter brown sugar and molasses until smooth Add egg and vanilla whisk until fully incorporated.
Step 4:
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet folding with a spatula until just combined Do not overmix.
Step 5:
Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons roll each ball in granulated sugar and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Step 6:
Bake for 9 11 minutes until cookies are puffed and edges are set but centers are still soft.
Step 7:
Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for ultimate gooeyness.
These spiced Gooey Soft Molasses Cookies are beautifully round, glistening with sugar, and bursting with flavor. Save to Pinterest
These spiced Gooey Soft Molasses Cookies are beautifully round, glistening with sugar, and bursting with flavor. | amberkettle.com

Baking these cookies with my kids is one of my favorite family traditions especially smelling the spices fill the air.

Additional Tips

For extra spice add a pinch of black pepper or roll the cookies in coarse sparkling sugar for a festive touch.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls whisk spatula baking sheets parchment paper cookie scoop or tablespoon wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) egg and dairy (butter) Always check labels for cross-contamination if you have allergies.

Close-up of freshly baked Gooey Soft Molasses Cookies, offering a satisfying chewy texture and deep molasses color. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of freshly baked Gooey Soft Molasses Cookies, offering a satisfying chewy texture and deep molasses color. | amberkettle.com

Enjoy these soft molasses cookies fresh from the oven or store them properly for days of holiday delight.

Recipe FAQs

What spices give these cookies their warm flavor?

Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg combine to create a rich, warm spice profile that defines their taste.

How can I keep the cookies soft after baking?

Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks and store in an airtight container to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Is a mixer necessary to prepare the dough?

No mixer is required; whisking by hand is sufficient to blend wet and dry ingredients for a tender dough.

What role does molasses play in these treats?

Molasses adds moisture, sweetness, and a distinctive deep flavor that enhances the warmth of the spices.

Can I add extra spice to the dough?

Yes, a pinch of black pepper can be added for subtle heat, complementing the existing warm spices.

How long should I bake these treats for perfect texture?

Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set and cookie centers remain soft, ensuring a gooey middle.

Gooey Soft Molasses Cookies

Delight in soft molasses treats bursting with warm spices and chewy centers, ideal for festive moments.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
10 min
Total duration
25 min
Created by Molly Easton


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 24 Portions

Dietary details Meat-free

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 teaspoons ground ginger
03 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
05 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 2 teaspoons baking soda
07 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
02 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
03 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
04 1 large egg, room temperature
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Rolling

01 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 03

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and molasses until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, whisking thoroughly to incorporate.

Step 04

Incorporate Dry Into Wet: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture using a spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain cookie softness.

Step 05

Shape and Roll Dough: Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons, roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat, and place on prepared baking sheets spaced approximately 2 inches apart.

Step 06

Bake Cookies: Bake in preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes until cookies are puffed, edges set, and centers remain soft.

Step 07

Cool for Optimal Texture: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring a gooey center.

Equipment needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Wire rack

Allergy details

Be sure to look at every ingredient. If you have concerns, ask your healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy (butter).
  • Check labels for potential cross-contamination.

Nutrition Info (one portion)

Information shown is for general reference. Please speak to your doctor for nutrition advice.
  • Energy: 130
  • Lipids: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Proteins: 1 g