Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

If you’re looking for the perfect treat that embodies the cozy spirit of fall, then you’ve come to the right place! These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are a delightful combination of warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor. Every bite feels like a hug from autumn, making them an instant favorite at family gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or even as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes. Trust me, once you bake these cookies, they’ll quickly become a cherished recipe in your collection.

So gather your loved ones around and let’s get baking! You’ll find that this recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to whip up, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without too much fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: You don’t need to be a baking expert to make these cookies! The simple steps make it accessible for everyone.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the soft texture and sweet spice in every bite. They’re sure to become a family favorite!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be prepared ahead of time and chilled, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits.
• Delicious Flavor: With the addition of pumpkin puree and molasses, each cookie is packed with warm flavors that scream comfort.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s for a potluck or just a sweet treat for friends, these cookies are great for sharing!

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to baking these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies, you’ll find that the ingredients are simple yet wholesome. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/3 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Wet Ingredients

• 8 Tbs butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg

For Rolling

• 1/2 cup sugar

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to adapt it based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences!

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Chop Some Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness.
• Try Different Spices: If you want to switch things up, experiment with different spices like cinnamon or ginger to create your unique flavor profile.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter for a plant-based version.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper in a bowl. This step is important because it ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before they mix with the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the room-temperature butter until smooth and creamy. Then add in your brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree. Beat everything together until well combined—about two minutes will do! Scraping down the sides of the bowl ensures no ingredient gets left behind.

Step 3: Add the Egg

Next up is adding the egg! Beat in one large egg until fully incorporated. This helps bind everything together while adding moisture that makes these cookies soft and chewy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined; we want to avoid overmixing here!

Step 5: Chill Your Dough

Your cookie dough will be quite soft at this stage. Divide it in half and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for an hour. Chilling helps firm up the dough so it’s easier to handle later.

Step 6: Preheat Your Oven

While your dough chills out, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this will prevent sticking!

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Once chilled, take one packet of dough at a time and divide it into twelve pieces. Roll each piece into a ball using your hands or a cookie scoop for even sizes. Roll those balls in sugar before placing them on your prepared baking sheets about an inch apart.

Step 8: Flatten Before Baking

Using the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each cookie ball until they’re between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick. This step ensures they bake evenly!

Step 9: Bake

Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. They’re ready when they feel set but still soft—don’t overbake!

Step 10: Cool Down

Once baked, let your cookies cool on the sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This patience pays off as they continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Finally, grab one (or two!) of your freshly baked Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies while they’re still warm from the oven. Enjoy every delicious bite—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these simple tips, your cookies will turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with butter and egg at room temperature helps create a smoother batter, ensuring that your cookies are soft and chewy.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill is crucial. This helps solidify the fats and makes the dough less sticky, resulting in cookies that hold their shape while baking.

• Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender, chewy texture we’re aiming for.

• Check for doneness: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be set on top but still soft to the touch. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

• Store properly: To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread can help keep them moist longer!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can present them. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy evening at home, here are some ideas to make your cookie experience even sweeter!

Garnishes

• Sprinkled cinnamon sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top before baking can add a delightful sweetness and enhance the autumn flavors.
• Chopped nuts: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts on top after pressing down the cookie dough for an added crunch and nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warm spices of apple cider complement the flavors of pumpkin molasses cookies beautifully, making for a perfect fall beverage pairing.
• Vanilla almond milk: A glass of chilled vanilla almond milk adds creaminess that balances out the rich flavors of the cookies without overpowering them.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over your warm cookies for an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress!
• Pumpkin spice latte: For an extra cozy treat, serve these cookies with a steaming cup of pumpkin spice latte. The flavors will harmonize wonderfully!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are sure to be a hit! Enjoy sharing them with family and friends or savoring them all by yourself—either way, they’re bound to brighten up your day!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat anytime. You can make the cookie dough in advance or store the baked cookies for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze unbaked cookie dough, form the dough into balls, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• If freezing baked cookies, ensure they are completely cooled before wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating

• For frozen cookie dough: Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• For reheating baked cookies: Place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies.

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies?

Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin puree works wonderfully. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

What makes these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies so special?

These cookies combine the warm flavors of pumpkin and molasses with delightful spices, creating a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

How do I achieve the best texture with my Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies?

Chilling the dough is key! It helps develop flavor while also making the dough easier to handle. Don’t skip this step!

Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

You can replace butter with your favorite plant-based margarine or coconut oil if you’re looking for dairy-free alternatives.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies as much as I do! They bring warmth and comfort to any gathering or quiet afternoon at home. The combination of pumpkin and molasses creates an irresistible flavor that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, get baking, and savor each delicious bite! Happy baking!