There’s something timeless and comforting about Virginia’s Molasses Cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy, and rich in flavor, with just the right touch of warm spices. The deep, caramel-like sweetness of molasses pairs beautifully with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, creating a nostalgic treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether enjoyed with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk, these cookies are guaranteed to become a household favorite.
What sets these cookies apart is their perfect balance of sweetness and spice—not overly sugary, but full of character. They carry that old-fashioned, homemade charm that makes them irresistible year-round, but especially cozy in the fall and winter seasons.
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Ingredients and Their Roles
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure and base for the cookies.
2 teaspoons ground ginger – Adds warmth and a slight spiciness that complements the molasses.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Enhances sweetness while adding a comforting, aromatic flavor.
½ teaspoon ground cloves – Brings depth and a subtle peppery bite.
¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and intensifies the spices.
1 tablespoon baking soda – Ensures the cookies rise slightly and have a tender texture.
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness, moisture, and a soft crumb.
1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling) – Sweetens the dough and gives the cookies a lightly crisp exterior.
1 large egg – Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
¼ cup molasses – The star ingredient, providing deep flavor, sweetness, and chewiness.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and prepare.
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the dry ingredients.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking soda. This ensures even distribution of the spices.
3. Cream the butter and sugar.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, helping create tender cookies.
4. Add egg and molasses.
Beat in the egg, then mix in the molasses until fully combined. The dough will be rich in color and slightly sticky.
5. Combine wet and dry.
Gradually stir in the flour mixture, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
6. Shape the cookies.
Scoop dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the reserved sugar to coat. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake to perfection.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the tops are crackled and the edges are set. The centers may look slightly soft—that’s perfect for chewy cookies.
8. Cool and enjoy.
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Why This Recipe Is Loved
Old-fashioned charm – A recipe passed through generations, evoking nostalgia with every bite.
Perfectly spiced – Just the right amount of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves for cozy, balanced flavor.
Chewy with a crisp edge – The ideal texture for a classic molasses cookie.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
Use dark molasses for a richer, bolder flavor. Avoid blackstrap molasses, which can be too bitter.
Chill the dough for 20 minutes before rolling if it feels too sticky to handle.
Don’t overbake – Pull them out when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft for the chewiest texture.
Double-batch worthy – These cookies disappear quickly, so consider making extra!
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Serving Suggestions
Pair with chai tea or spiced coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert.
Add them to a holiday cookie platter for an old-fashioned touch guests will love.
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Conclusion
Virginia’s Molasses Cookies are the perfect combination of chewy, spiced, and sweet. They’re simple to prepare, yet taste like something special from
a family bakery. With their rich molasses base and warm spice blend, they’re cookies that never go out of style.
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