The Story & Intro
Growing up on the island of Crete, the kitchen was always the warmest room in our home especially when my grandmother baked anything filled with deep spices. Even though she cooked mostly traditional Greek treats, every now and then she’d surprise me with something completely different. One winter afternoon, when the weather was unusually cold for Crete, she handed me a tray of soft, dark, fragrant cookies. They were old-fashioned molasses spice cookies, and the aroma alone made me fall in love.
Whenever I make these cookies now, I feel that same comfort. The rich molasses mixed with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves turns the whole kitchen into a cozy haven. These old-fashioned molasses spice cookies have that magical holiday smell we all crave even when it’s not the holidays! They’re chewy, warm, nostalgic, and everything I adore about simple, homemade baking.
Maybe that’s why this recipe is one I go back to again and again. It reminds me that cooking isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about the people we share it with. Whether you’re baking for your family, your neighbors, or yourself, these old-fashioned molasses spice cookies bring out a kind of joy that feels classic and familiar.
So grab your mixing bowl let’s bake a batch that tastes just like home.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of spice perfect for fall, the holidays, or any day you want something warm and cozy. They store beautifully, freeze well, and make wonderful gifts. Plus, this recipe is beginner-friendly and uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
Ingredients You Need
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. This helps create that signature chewy, tender texture.
3. Add the Egg, Molasses & Vanilla
Beat in the egg, then add the molasses and vanilla. The mixture will turn a deep caramel color this is where all the richness begins.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix this keeps your cookies soft and chewy.
5. Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and enhances the spice flavor.
6. Roll in Sugar
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll each dough ball in granulated sugar until coated.
7. Bake
Place cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
The cookies will crack on top this is what you want! They may look slightly puffed but will settle into soft perfection.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect with a warm drink hot cocoa, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. They also pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream! For holiday gatherings, tie a few cookies in a small festive bag with ribbon for simple homemade gifts.
If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle them with a thin vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing the Cookies: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- Freezing the Dough: Roll into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag. Bake from frozen add 1 extra minute.
Recipe Card 📝
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Chill: 1 hour
- Bake: 8–10 minutes
- Total: About 1 hour 30 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
(As listed above)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add egg, molasses, vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients to wet.
- Chill dough.
- Roll into sugar.
- Bake 8–10 minutes at 350°F.
- Cool & serve.
📌 Notes
- Don’t skip chilling it’s essential for texture.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Use dark molasses for deeper flavor.
🍪 Nutrition (per cookie, approx.)
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Conclusion
These old-fashioned molasses spice cookies capture everything I love about baking: warmth, nostalgia, and simple ingredients transformed into something unforgettable. Just like the afternoons I spent baking with my grandmother in Crete, this recipe brings comfort and joy into the kitchen. I hope these cookies become part of your own traditions shared with people you love, enjoyed on cold days, and baked whenever you crave something cozy and delicious.
SHORT 100-WORD MARILYN STORY VERSION (for SEO recipe card use)
Hi, I’m Marilyn from the beautiful island of Crete. I learned to bake from my grandmother, who always filled our home with warm, comforting aromas. These old-fashioned molasses spice cookies remind me of those childhood afternoons soft, chewy, and full of spice. Cooking for me is more than just food; it’s about sharing memories and creating joy. This simple recipe is perfect for anyone who loves nostalgic flavors. Even when my kitchen gets messy, I love baking these cookies because they make my home feel warm and welcoming. I hope they bring the same comfort to your kitchen.