These Molasses-Spice Cookies are packed with the perfect blend of spices and sweetness, making them a comforting, timeless treat. The combination of rich molasses and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates a cookie that’s not only flavorful but also irresistibly soft and chewy. Whether it’s the holiday season or just a chilly afternoon, these cookies will fill your kitchen with delicious, nostalgic aromas and are sure to be a family favorite!

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Why You’ll Love These Molasses-Spice Cookies

Perfectly Spiced: These cookies bring together the warmth of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for a flavor-packed bite.
Soft & Chewy: Thanks to the molasses and shortening, these cookies stay wonderfully soft and chewy, even after they cool.
Easy to Make: With simple pantry ingredients and just a bit of chilling time, these cookies come together quickly and effortlessly.
Great for Gifting: These cookies look beautiful with their sparkling sugar coating, making them ideal for holiday gift boxes or cookie swaps.

Ingredients for Molasses-Spice Cookies

For the Cookies:

¾ cup Crisco shortening: This ensures the cookies are soft and stay fresh longer. (Only shortening for this recipe!)
1 cup white sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps give them a bit of crispiness on the edges.
1 large egg: Binds the dough together and adds richness.
¼ cup molasses: The star of the show—providing deep, rich flavor and that signature chewiness.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Adds extra lift and a bit of texture.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy kick.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings cozy, sweet spice.
½ teaspoon nutmeg: Enhances the depth of flavor with a slightly sweet, earthy note.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a hint of pungent, aromatic spice.
¼ teaspoon allspice: Rounds out the warm spice blend.

For Rolling:

Sparkling white sugar: Coating the cookie dough in sparkling sugar gives each bite a sweet, crunchy finish and a festive sparkle.

Step-by-Step Directions for Molasses-Spice Cookies

1. Cream the Shortening and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat ¾ cup Crisco shortening and 1 cup white sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. The fluffy texture helps ensure the cookies have that perfect soft, chewy bite.

2. Add the Egg and Molasses

Once the shortening and sugar are well combined, beat in 1 large egg and ¼ cup molasses. Mix until smooth and everything is well incorporated.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, and ¼ teaspoon allspice. This mixture is what gives the cookies their signature spiced flavor.

4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft but should hold its shape. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

5. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight if you want the flavors to really develop. Chilling the dough also helps the cookies keep their shape when baked.

6. Shape and Roll in Sugar

Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in sparkling white sugar to coat the outside. The sugar adds a sweet crunch and makes the cookies sparkle beautifully.

7. Bake the Cookies

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet, leaving space between them as they will spread slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 11 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through to ensure even baking. The cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out. They will firm up as they cool.

8. Cool on Wire Racks

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced molasses cookies!

Tips for Success

Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to develop fully, making the cookies even more delicious.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies in the oven. You want the edges to be set and slightly golden, but the centers should still be soft when you take them out.
Make-Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze the dough balls and bake them whenever you’re ready for fresh cookies!

Customizations and Variations

Add Chocolate: For an extra treat, add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, chocolatey twist.
Orange Zest: Add the zest of 1 orange to the dough for a citrusy burst that complements the spices beautifully.
Drizzle with Icing: Once the cookies are cooled, drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a decorative and sweet finishing touch.

Storing and Freezing

Storage: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay soft and chewy for days!
Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough before baking by rolling it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake the frozen dough balls without thawing, just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Freeze Baked Cookies: These cookies also freeze well after baking. Just store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~120 kcal per cookie
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fat: 5g