Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

If you’re looking for a way to capture the cozy essence of fall, these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are just the treat you need! The warm spices and pumpkin flavor create a delightful combination that is sure to brighten up any day. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a fun get-together with friends, or just because it’s Tuesday, these cookies will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your heart feel full.

This recipe has been a beloved favorite in my household. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet special enough to impress guests. Plus, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm cookie fresh from the oven while sipping on a cup of tea or coffee!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready to share in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone from kids to adults will love the sweet and spicy flavors that make these cookies irresistible.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for holiday gatherings, cozy nights at home, or as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can chill the dough ahead of time. Just bake when you’re ready for fresh cookies!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and molasses creates a soft texture and rich taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. They come together beautifully to create cookies that are moist and full of flavor.

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! You can easily customize these cookies to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra treat.
• Nuts for Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Different Spices: Swap out pumpkin pie spice for cinnamon or ginger if you want to experiment with flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper in a bowl. This step is important because it helps evenly distribute all those lovely spices throughout the cookie dough, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as possible.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Add in the brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree. Beat this mixture for about 2 minutes until everything is well combined. Scraping down the sides of the bowl helps ensure no ingredients are left behind!

Step 3: Incorporate the Egg

Next, add the egg into your mixture and beat everything together for another minute. This adds moisture and richness to your cookies!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to lower your mixer speed and slowly add in those dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; overbeating can make your cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Your dough will be quite soft—this is normal! Divide it in half, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and freeze 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, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick during baking.

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Once chilled, take one packet of dough at a time. Divide it into 12 pieces and roll each piece into a ball using your hands or a cookie scoop for even sizes. Roll each ball in sugar before placing them on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Flatten Before Baking

Using the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each cookie ball until they’re about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Make sure they’re spaced about an inch apart on the sheet so they have room to spread while baking.

Step 9: Bake Them Up!

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes until they feel set on top but remain soft inside. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely divine!

Step 10: Cooling Time

After removing them from the oven, let them cool on the sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This allows them to firm up slightly while still being warm.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Finally, enjoy those warm Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies straight out of the oven! They are perfect alongside a warm drink or as an afternoon snack that brings comfort anytime you need it.

Pro Tips for Making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Making cookies can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve to make them even better!

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill not only makes it easier to handle but also helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a more delicious cookie.

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Instead of canned pumpkin, using fresh pumpkin puree can enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies. It brings a vibrant taste that truly elevates your baking.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour instead of scooping directly with your measuring cup. This prevents adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.

• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. You want them set but still soft to ensure that chewy texture.

• Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and chewy for days!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

These cookies are not just delicious; they also make a lovely presentation! Here are some ideas on how to serve them for gatherings or cozy evenings at home.

Garnishes

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting can add a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the cookie’s rich flavors.
• Drizzle with Maple Syrup: A warm drizzle of maple syrup enhances the autumn vibes and complements the molasses beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea pair perfectly with these cookies, creating a comforting experience ideal for chilly days.
• Vanilla Almond Milk: This creamy beverage balances out the sweetness of the cookies while providing a nutty flavor that complements pumpkin well.
• Apple Cider: Hot or cold, apple cider brings out the autumn essence and pairs wonderfully with the spices in the cookies.
• Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: For those who love extra sweetness, a dip made from cream cheese frosting adds richness that harmonizes with the cookie’s flavors.

Enjoy sharing these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies with friends and family—they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and store them for future enjoyment. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, but allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
• Be sure to label your container with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• To reheat, simply place your cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• For a quick fix, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds—just be careful not to overdo it!

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop up while making these delightful treats.

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

Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin puree works wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure that it’s well-drained so your dough doesn’t become too wet.

How do I ensure my Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies stay soft?

To keep these cookies soft, make sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the tops feel set but still slightly soft. Also, storing them in an airtight container helps maintain their chewy texture.

What can I substitute for butter in Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies?

You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative if you prefer a dairy-free option. Just ensure it’s at room temperature for proper mixing.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies?

Certainly! Feel free to fold in some chopped nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips into the dough before chilling for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies as much as I do! They embody the very essence of autumn with their warm spices and comforting flavors. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), these cookies are sure to bring joy. Happy baking!