Chewy Brown Sugar Molasses Cookies
Soft and chewy cookies rich with molasses and warm spices, sweetened with brown sugar for a deep caramel flavor. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 27 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup for rolling granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, and 1/4 tsp salt until evenly mixed.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup packed brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 1 large egg and 1/4 cup molasses to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Step 6: Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls and roll each in 1/4 cup granulated sugar to coat.
- Step 7: Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes until cracked on top and edges are set but centers are soft.
- Step 9: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chewy Brown Sugar Molasses Cookies take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Chewy Brown Sugar Molasses Cookies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chewy Brown Sugar Molasses Cookies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chewy Brown Sugar Molasses Cookies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chewy Brown Sugar Molasses Cookies?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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