Name: Old-Fashioned Molasses Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large egg; ⅔ cup oil; 1 cup sugar; ⅓ cup unsulphured molasses; 1½ tsp cinnamon; 1½ tsp ground ginger; ½ tsp nutmeg; ½ tsp Kosher salt; 2 tsp baking soda; 2¼ cups flour (unbleached or all-purpose); For Rolling:; Sugar; Cinnamon

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These Old-Fashioned Molasses Cookies are a true holiday staple. With their rich molasses flavor and perfectly balanced spices, they’re chewy in the center and crisp around the edges—just the way traditional cookies should be. Whether served warm with a cup of tea or left out for Santa on Christmas Eve, they’re bound to be a nostalgic favorite in any cookie collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the perfect blend of simple ingredients and comforting flavors. The molasses adds depth and moisture, while the trio of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg offers a warm, spiced aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and crowd-pleasing—ideal for holiday baking, gifting, or enjoying year-round.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

large egg
oil
granulated sugar
unsulphured molasses
ground cinnamon
ground ginger
ground nutmeg
Kosher salt
baking soda
all-purpose flour or unbleached flour

For Rolling:

granulated sugar
ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg, then whisk in the oil and sugar until smooth.
Add the molasses, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda. Mix well to combine.
Stir in the flour gradually until a stiff dough forms.
Roll the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls.
In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar. Roll each dough ball in the mixture to coat.
Place the coated balls on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake for 12–13 minutes, or until the tops are crackled and lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container once fully cooled.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Calories per Cookie: Approximately 100 kcal

Variations

Extra Spice: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for deeper spice notes.
Molasses Crinkle Cookies: Slightly underbake for a softer, crinkle-top texture.
Sugar Swap: Try rolling cookies in turbinado sugar for a crunchier finish.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to accommodate dietary needs.
Frosted Version: Add a simple vanilla or lemon glaze for a sweeter twist.

storage/reheating

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
To refresh, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes.

FAQs

What type of molasses should I use?

Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor and texture. Avoid blackstrap molasses, which is too bitter for most desserts.

Can I substitute butter for the oil?

Yes, melted unsalted butter can be used in place of oil, but the texture will be slightly different—more rich, less chewy.

Why are my cookies not cracking on top?

If your dough is too warm or your oven isn’t hot enough, the tops may not crack. Be sure to preheat the oven fully and use chilled dough if needed.

Can I refrigerate the dough?

Yes. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours. Chilling helps control spreading and enhances flavor.

Are these cookies freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. They freeze beautifully. Freeze in a single layer before transferring to a container to avoid sticking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales easily for larger batches—perfect for holiday baking or cookie exchanges.

How do I make softer cookies?

Reduce the baking time by 1 minute and remove the cookies when the centers are just set. Let them finish baking on the sheet.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. Store prepared dough in the fridge (covered) for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, the original recipe is dairy-free as written, making it a great option for those with lactose sensitivities.

Can I add mix-ins like raisins or nuts?

Yes, chopped walnuts or raisins can be folded into the dough for added texture and flavor. Limit to ½ cup total.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Molasses Cookies are the kind of timeless recipe that brings warmth and tradition to any table. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy night in, or just a craving for something nostalgic, these spiced cookies hit all the right notes. Easy to make, easy to love, and easy to share—this is a cookie jar classic that never goes out of style.

Old-Fashioned Molasses Cookies

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Warmly spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and molasses, these old-fashioned molasses cookies are chewy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and perfect for holiday baking or cozy afternoons with a cup of tea.