Old FashionedMolasses Cookiesare chewy and stay soft for days. A classic cookie beloved by adults and kids of all ages.

Five old fashioned molasses cookies on a white plate.

The secret to these old fashioned cookies is the molasses – a super dark, thick syrup with a strong flavor. It turns these cookies a dark color and is the contributing factor to the soft, chewy texture. These cookies can be enjoyed year round but are especiallypopular during the holidays.

If you’re putting together a cookie plate or a dessert bar, Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies are perfect alongside someClassic Cutout Sugar Cookies,Vanilla Melt Aways,Candy Cane Meringues, andExtra Buttery Spritz Cookies.

A dozen old fashioned molasses cookies on a baking sheet with a thin metal spatula taking one off the pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Molasses cookies are atimeless classicwith the perfect blend of sugar and spice.
It’s aneasy recipe to doubleso you have plenty to share or freeze for later.
The recipe issimple enough that kids can make themor help if they are littler.

Recipe Ingredients

Butter
Brown sugar
Molasses:Look for fancy or unsulfured molasses, not blackstrap.
Egg
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Spices:Ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves for wonderful flavor.
Salt

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies

Step #1.Beat the butter and brown sugar for about 3 minutes. Add the remaining wet ingredients and mix well.
Step #2.Whisk together the dry ingredients and then combine them with the wet ingredients.
Step #3.Form a tablespoon of dough into a ball and then roll it in sugar.
Step #4.Place the cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best molasses to use?

Molasses can vary in flavor and intensity. My personal favorite is Grandma’s Brand – it’s unsulphured or fancy molasses outside the US. Avoid cooking molasses, blackstrap molasses, and treacle because they are too bitter for this recipe.

What do molasses cookies taste like?

Molasses cookies taste similar to a gingersnap but they are soft and chewy instead of crisp. They are a great combination of cinnamon and ginger flavor.

How do I store soft molasses cookies?

Once they are fully cooled, put them in an airtight container and store on the counter for up to a week or in the freezer for three to six months. Pull them out of the freezer and let thaw or you can put them in the microwave for 10 seconds.

A dozen old fashioned molasses cookies on a baking sheet with one being taken off by a thin metal spatula and there is a white plate with cookies on it in the foreground.

Expert Tips

Don’t overmix the dough. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender.
Make a double batchand freeze about half for the holiday season. Your future self will thank you.
Leave about 2 inches between the balls of doughon the baking sheet so that the cookies don’t touch each other while baking.