Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

If you’re looking for the perfect cookie to welcome the fall season, you’ve come to the right place! These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are like a warm hug on a chilly day. They combine the cozy flavors of pumpkin and molasses with just the right amount of spice, making them a delightful treat for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or sharing them with friends, these cookies will surely become a favorite!

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up a batch. All you need are simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s get started on these delicious little bites of autumn!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and fun!
• Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the soft texture and warm spices in every bite.
• Make-ahead option: Chill the dough ahead of time for an easy baking session whenever you’re ready.
• Perfect for sharing: These cookies are great for potlucks, bake sales, or just surprising your neighbors!
• Deliciously aromatic: The blend of pumpkin pie spice and molasses fills your kitchen with a heavenly scent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these are all simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need for your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies:

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 these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies is how flexible they can be! Feel free to mix it up and make them your own with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Include chocolate chips: For a sweet twist, fold in some dark chocolate or white chocolate chips.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick!
• Try different sugars: Swap out half of the brown sugar for coconut sugar to give your cookies a deeper flavor.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper in a bowl. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed before adding them to the wet ones. It helps create those lovely flavors we’re after in each bite!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat your room-temperature butter on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. Then add in the brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree. Beat this mixture for about 2 minutes. Scraping down the sides occasionally helps everything blend perfectly!

Step 3: Add Egg

Next, crack in your egg and beat everything together for another minute. This adds moisture and helps bind all those yummy ingredients into a cohesive dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to reduce your mixer speed to low. Gradually add in those dry ingredients while mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overbeat—this keeps our cookies soft and chewy!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Your dough will be quite soft; divide it in half and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Chill it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for an hour. This step is crucial because chilled dough is easier to work with.

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 nothing sticks when baking.

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Once chilled, take one packet of dough at a time. Divide it into 12 pieces, rolling each into a ball—using a cookie scoop makes this super easy! Roll each ball in sugar before placing them on your prepared sheets.

Step 8: Flatten & Bake

Using the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each ball until they’re about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Leave about an inch between each cookie because they will spread while baking! Bake them for 12-14 minutes until they feel set on top.

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy!

Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled slightly (if you can wait!), enjoy these delicious Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies straight from the oven or at room temperature—either way is heavenly!

Pro Tips for Making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Baking can be a wonderful adventure, and a few helpful tips can make your cookie experience even better!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and egg helps create a smoother batter, leading to cookies that are perfectly soft and chewy.

• Chill the dough adequately: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined keeps your cookies tender. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour, resulting in denser cookies.

• Use fresh spices: Fresh pumpkin pie spice enhances the flavor of your cookies. If you can, use freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon for a more robust taste.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to mix in some dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts for an added texture and flavor twist. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if you do!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but presenting them with a little flair can make them even more special!

Garnishes

• A dusting of powdered sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance while enhancing the appearance of your cookies.
• Drizzle of caramel sauce: For a sweet finishing touch, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the cookies before serving.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: This classic fall beverage pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors, creating a cozy autumn experience.
• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices in your cookies perfectly, making it a delightful dessert duo.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the rich flavors of the cookies, adding brightness and color to your dessert table.
• Chai latte: This spiced tea brings warmth and aromatic flavors that harmonize wonderfully with pumpkin molasses cookies.

Enjoy baking these delightful treats, and don’t forget to share them with loved ones for an extra dose of joy!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough ahead of time and store it, ensuring you have delicious cookies ready whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to 10 days.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing

• Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze the cookie dough balls. Just roll them into balls and place on a baking sheet to freeze first. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag.
• When you’re ready to bake, you can bake directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• If reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before microwaving or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

If you’re curious about these delightful cookies, here are some common questions that might help!

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

Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin puree works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture before adding it to the mix.

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

To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven as soon as the tops feel set but still slightly soft—they will continue baking on the sheets after being removed from heat.

Can I substitute ingredients in Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies?

Yes! You can substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative if desired. For gluten-free options, consider using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

How do I make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies spicier?

If you love spice, try adding more pumpkin pie spice or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick! Adjust according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies! They embody the cozy spirit of autumn with every bite. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging by yourself, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and happiness. Enjoy every moment spent baking—and don’t forget to savor those delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen!