Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are not just any cookies; they embody the warm, spiced flavors of autumn that bring a smile to your face. Whether you’re snuggling up at home on a busy weeknight or hosting family gatherings, these delightful cookies are sure to be a hit. The combination of pumpkin and molasses creates a soft texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Each bite feels like a warm hug, making this recipe one of my all-time favorites. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, so let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe comes together quickly, perfect for those busy days when you want something sweet without too much fuss.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These pumpkin treats are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead option: The dough can be chilled ahead of time, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you’re ready.
• Deliciously unique flavor: The blend of pumpkin and molasses gives these cookies an irresistible taste that’s different from your standard cookie fare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather the simple and wholesome ingredients for these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

For the Cookies

• 2 1/3 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 8 Tbs butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup sugar (for rolling)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients and customize these cookies to your liking.

• Add some nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Include chocolate chips: If you have a sweet tooth, mix in some dark chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
• Try different spices: Experiment with cinnamon or ginger if you want to enhance the warmth of the flavor profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for everyone to enjoy!

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper—in a bowl. This step is crucial because it ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the room-temperature butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Then add in brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree. Mixing this together not only combines everything but also helps create that lovely chewy texture we all love!

Step 3: Add in the Egg

Once your mixture is creamy, add in the egg and beat it together for about a minute. This adds moisture and richness to our cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet

Now it’s time to mix in those dry ingredients! Reduce your mixer speed to low and gently incorporate them into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over-beat—this keeps our cookies nice and soft.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Your cookie dough will be quite soft. Divide it into two halves, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for an hour. Chilling makes it easier to handle when rolling into balls.

Step 6: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so that our cookies don’t stick while baking.

Step 7: Roll & Shape Your Cookies

With one portion of dough at a time, roll it into balls (about 12 pieces). Roll each ball in sugar before placing them on your prepared cookie sheets. Use a glass bottom to flatten them down slightly—this helps them bake evenly!

Step 8: Bake & Cool

Bake your cookies for about 12-14 minutes until they feel set on top. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for around five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Finally, indulge yourself! There’s nothing like enjoying these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies warm out of the oven. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or coffee!

Now that you have this delightful recipe in hand, I can’t wait for you to try these cookies! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Baking can be a breeze with a few helpful tips up your sleeve! Here are some tried-and-true suggestions to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly soft and chewy every time.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill significantly reduces stickiness, making it easier to handle and shape into perfect cookie balls. This also helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.

• Use room temperature butter: Starting with butter that’s at room temperature allows for better incorporation of air into the batter, leading to a lighter texture. Cold butter won’t cream well with sugar, affecting the final outcome.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add in the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can cause gluten development, resulting in tougher cookies rather than the soft and chewy texture we’re aiming for.

• Bake on parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also promotes even baking. It helps achieve those lovely edges while keeping the bottoms from getting too brown.

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For extended freshness, you can freeze baked cookies and thaw them as needed.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Presenting these delightful cookies can make your dessert table shine! Here are some creative serving ideas to enhance your experience.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and pairs beautifully with the pumpkin flavor.
• Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: Mix equal parts cinnamon and sugar to sprinkle over the tops for an extra hint of spice that complements the molasses.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: A cozy mug of warm apple cider is the perfect beverage pairing that enhances the autumn vibes of these cookies.
• Vanilla plant-based ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla plant-based ice cream alongside these cookies creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and flavors.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cookies while adding a burst of color to your plate.
• Spiced chai tea: A cup of spiced chai tea provides warmth and complements the spices in your cookies beautifully, making for a comforting pairing.

Enjoy baking and sharing these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies with loved ones this season! They’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough in advance, freeze it, or store the finished cookies so you can enjoy them throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze cookie dough, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months.
• For baked cookies, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months as well.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to refresh their soft texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious cookies!

Can I use a different type of flour for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. Just ensure that your blend is suitable for baking to achieve similar texture and flavor.

How do I know when my Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are done baking?

Your cookies are ready when the tops feel set to the touch, but they should still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies without molasses?

While molasses adds depth and flavor, you can substitute it with maple syrup or honey. Keep in mind that this will change the taste slightly!

What’s the best way to enjoy Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies?

Enjoy these cookies warm with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. They also pair fantastically with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat!

Final Thoughts

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies truly capture the essence of fall with their warm spices and delightful chewiness. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! Whether you’re sharing with family or savoring them all yourself, these cookies are bound to bring joy into your home. Happy baking!