Old Fashioned Soft Molasses Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 36 Cuisine: American

Old Fashioned Soft Molasses Cookies deliver warm, spicy flavors with a chewy texture, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy treats with family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 4 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup molasses

Instructions

  1. Sift together twice the flour, baking soda, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add beaten egg, sour cream, and molasses; mix well.
  4. Stir in the flour mixture and blend until combined.
  5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
  6. Pat or roll the dough to a sheet about 1/2-inch thick.
  7. Cut with a cookie cutter into desired shapes.
  8. Bake on an ungreased sheet at 350° to 375°F for 10 minutes or until done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer cookie, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before cutting it into shapes. You can substitute half of the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you're out of sour cream, plain yogurt works well as a substitute. Be careful not to overbake; cookies should remain soft even after cooling.

Serving Suggestions

These molasses cookies are delightful on their own but can be served with a glass of milk or alongside a cup of tea. For a fun twist, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also make a great treat to accompany holiday gatherings or cozy family evenings.

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 in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for a few seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until soft.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashioned Soft Molasses Cookies contains roughly 70 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.

70 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 1.5g 2% DV
Carbs 13.3g 5% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 2.1g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 295.7mg 13% DV
Potassium 104.3mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 22.4mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 69.5mg 5% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. Start with a 50-50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for the best results, and adjust based on your preference.

How can I make these cookies more spicy?

To increase the spice level, you can add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of ginger or a pinch of ground black pepper. Adjust the spices to your taste, but be careful not to overpower the molasses flavor, which is essential in this recipe.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, you can easily make these cookies vegan by replacing the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and using a plant-based shortening or coconut oil. For the sour cream, opt for a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

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).

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