Molasses Walnut Cookies
Chewy and crispy molasses walnut cookies bursting with warm spices and enriched with chopped walnuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime sweet treat craving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the cooking oil, sugar, molasses, and egg by hand.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- Add the dry mixture to the molasses mixture and blend well.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts.
- Roll the dough into balls the size of a walnut and flatten them thin on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven until crispy, approximately 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. If you need a substitute for cooking oil, melted coconut oil or unsalted butter can work well. You can also add a handful of chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Make sure to measure the flour correctly, as too much can make the cookies dry. This recipe can easily be adapted to make M&M'S Fudge-Filled Bars for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Molasses Walnut Cookies are delightful on their own or paired with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside South St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake for a dessert platter. They also make an excellent treat when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a resealable bag, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molasses Walnut Cookies contains roughly 142 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans are a great alternative, offering a slightly sweeter flavor that complements the molasses beautifully. You could also try almonds or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Just make sure to chop them to a similar size for even distribution in the cookies.
What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to handle. You can also add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency. Just be careful not to overdo it to keep the cookies tender.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Molasses Walnut Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1/4 teaspoon per cup of flour to help bind the ingredients. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).