Old Fashioned Soft Molasses Cookies
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclosure policy.

There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. And when those cookies are old-fashioned soft molasses cookies, it’s impossible to resist their inviting aroma.
To me, when it comes to holiday baking, nothing says “home” like a batch of molasses cookies. This old-fashioned recipe will have your kitchen smelling like Christmas in no time!
Plus, they’re soft and chewy – perfect for Santa (or anyone with a sweet tooth).

These cookies are a holiday tradition in many families, and it’s easy to see why.
They’re deliciously spicy, with a subtle sweetness that comes from the molasses.
They’re also incredibly easy to make. The dough comes together quickly, and there’s no need to fuss with rolling it out or cutting it into shapes.

So if you’re looking for a festive treat that’s sure to please, give these old-fashioned soft molasses cookies a try.

Happy baking!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Shortening
- Salt
- Nutmeg
- Molasses
- Ground ginger
- Egg
- Baking soda
- Packed brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Granulated sugar for rolling the cookies

How to make soft molasses cookies:
Step 1. In a mixing bowl, sift together the baking soda, spices, flour, and salt.

Step 2. Blend together the shortening sugar, egg, and molasses in a separate bowl.

Step 3. Beat the dry ingredients into the wet.

Step 4. Place the batter into the fridge to chill for 1 hour.
Step 5. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Step 6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7. Form the dough into 24 evenly sized balls, and roll in granulated sugar.

Step 8. Place the rolled cookies onto the baking sheet.

Bake for 8-12 minutes.

Step 9. Allow the cookies to cool before serving.

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
NOTE: By saving this recipe, you agree to join our weekly recipes newsletter.
Pin this recipe now to remember it later
Old-Fashioned Soft Molasses Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ½ c All purpose flour
- ¾ c Shortening
- ¼ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Nutmeg
- ½ c Molasses
- 1 tsp Ground ginger
- 1 Egg, Large
- 2 tsp Baking soda
- ¾ c Packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- Granulated sugar for rolling the cookies
Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
NOTE: By saving this recipe, you agree to join our weekly recipes newsletter.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the baking soda, spices, flour and salt.
- Blend together the shortening sugar, egg and molasses in a separate bowl.
- Beat the dry ingredients into the wet.
- Place the batter into the fridge to chill for 1 hour.
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Form the dough into 24 evenly sized balls, and roll in granulated sugar.
- Place the rolled cookies onto the baking sheet and bake for 8-12 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool before serving.
Nutrition
Follow me on Pinterest for daily delicious recipes!
THANKS FOR PINING!

Chewy Molasses Cookies tips
If you’re looking for a soft and chewy molasses cookie recipe, look no further than this old-fashioned favorite. The dough is easy to make, and the cookies bake up soft and delicious every time.
Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect molasses cookies:
- Make sure to use fresh molasses in this recipe. Bottled molasses will not work as well.
- Don’t overmix the dough – just mix until everything is combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
- Don’t overcook the cookies – they should be soft and chewy, not crunchy.
- Let the cookies cool completely before serving. They will be too fragile if you try to eat them while they’re still warm.

Soft Molasses Cookies Variations
There are many variations of the Old-Fashioned Soft Molasses Cookie recipe.
- One variation is to add a cup of raisins or chopped dates to the dough.
- Another is to replace some white sugar with brown sugar for a chewier cookie.
- You can also add spices like ginger or cinnamon for extra flavor.

More chewy cookies? check the following:
Chewy Lemon Cookies – If you’re a fan of lemony treats, these cookies are for you!

Thumbprint Cookies – Pretty yummy!!

Key Lime Cookies – These Key Lime Cookies are adorable, tart, soft, chewy treats!
