Spicy Molasses Cookies Recipe: Seriously Delicious and Perfect for the Holidays
A perfect crackle and chewy center bring nostalgic warmth to every bite.
Spicy Molasses Cookies: The Pioneer Woman’s Classic
Molasses cookies are a holiday classic—deeply spiced, wonderfully chewy, and just the right amount of sweet. They’re the kind of cookies that remind you of grandmother’s kitchen and the cozy aromas of Christmas. In this recipe, The Pioneer Woman elevates the classic molasses cookie with a pinch of cardamom and a generous drizzle of white chocolate, making it a standout treat for any cookie box or holiday gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have these ingredients ready:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for coating the cookies)
- 3/4 cup vegetable shortening (such as Crisco)
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional (for serving): White chocolate (melted, for drizzling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and develop those beautiful cracks.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the granulated sugar, vegetable shortening, molasses, and the egg. Beat until the mixture is well blended, light, and smooth. This forms the base of your cookie dough and ensures the spices will distribute evenly.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
Evenly sprinkle the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, ground cloves, cardamom, and salt over the wet mixture. The Pioneer Woman’s method here is practical—just stir the dry ingredients on top before mixing, saving you a bowl and a step. Gently mix everything together until the dough is just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so keep it light and easy.
4. Shape and Sugar-Coat
Scoop out walnut-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls between your palms. Generously coat each ball with granulated sugar by rolling them around in a shallow bowl of sugar. For an extra sparkly crust, roll the ball in sugar twice—this creates a delightful sugary exterior that crisps slightly in the oven. Place each ball onto a baking sheet, leaving some space between them for spreading.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 9–11 minutes, or until they begin to crack on the surface. For the best results, leave them in the oven for about a minute after the first cracks appear, but avoid overbaking so the centers stay chewy. The cracks are a hallmark of molasses cookies and a sign of perfect doneness.
6. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a minute before transferring them to a wire rack. While they’re delicious at any temperature, they’re especially wonderful while still slightly warm. If you wish, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate for an elegant finish.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Molasses Cookies
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Generous Sugar Coating: The extra sugar ensures a crisp, crackly top.
- Bake Until Cracked: The surface cracks are not a flaw—they’re part of the charm.
- Add White Chocolate: While optional, a drizzle adds sweetness and visual appeal.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
Molasses cookies are wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ways to make them your own:
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
- Spice Level: Adjust the ginger, cloves, or cardamom to taste.
- Cookie Size: For bigger, softer cookies, use more dough per ball and bake a tad longer.
- Flare with Flavor: Add orange zest, a pinch of black pepper, or a dash of nutmeg for extra complexity.
Why These Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Have
Molasses cookies are a nostalgic favorite—they evoke memories of holiday kitchens, cookie swaps, and cozy gatherings. Their deep, spiced flavor is comforting, and their chewy texture makes them a crowd-pleaser. What sets this recipe apart is the addition of cardamom and the option to drizzle with white chocolate, giving them a modern twist that still feels classic.
The Chemistry Behind the Crackle
Ever wonder why molasses cookies crack so beautifully? The high sugar content (both in the dough and on the exterior) causes the surface to harden and set, while the interior stays moist and expands, creating those signature cracks. The spices—especially the ginger—activate taste buds and make the cookies feel both warming and festive.
Storing and Serving Molasses Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies or und
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