Name: Chewy Molasses Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature); 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (at room temperature); 6 ounces unsalted butter (at room temperature); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling); 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/4 cup mild molasses (not blackstrap); 1 large egg; 2 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 10 1/8 ounces all-purpose flour; 285 grams all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg; 3 ounces good quality dark chocolate (finely shaved or grated)

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There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. These Chewy Molasses Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the warm, spiced flavors of molasses with rich, dark chocolate for a treat that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or indulging in a late-night snack, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Plus, they’re delightfully chewy with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them a must-try for cookie lovers everywhere.

Why Chewy Molasses Chocolate Chip Cookies is Worth Your Time

These cookies offer a unique twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. The addition of molasses not only enhances the flavor profile but also contributes to that wonderfully chewy texture everyone craves. Each bite is a delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and rich chocolate that will make you feel cozy and satisfied. Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. If you’re looking to impress friends and family with a homemade treat, these Chewy Molasses Chocolate Chip Cookies are your ticket to success.

What You’ll Need

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks or 6 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup mild molasses (not blackstrap)
1 large egg
2 1/3 cup (10 1/8oz or 285g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
3 ounces (85g) good quality dark chocolate, finely shaved or grated

Equipment at a Glance

Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
Electric mixer – for creaming the butter and sugars
Baking sheets – for placing the cookies while baking
Parchment paper – to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup
Cookie scoop – for evenly sized cookies

Build Chewy Molasses Chocolate Chip Cookies Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect chewy texture.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your cookies.

Step 3: Add the Molasses and Egg

Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the mild molasses and the large egg. Mix until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The molasses will give your cookies that signature flavor and color.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, ground cloves, and freshly ground nutmeg. Make sure there are no lumps in the flour mixture for even distribution of flavors.

Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate

Gently fold in the finely shaved or grated dark chocolate using a spatula. This will ensure that the chocolate is evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Step 7: Chill the Dough (Optional)

For even chewier cookies, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes. This helps develop the flavors and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 8: Roll the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each piece into a ball. Roll the balls in granulated sugar to give them a lovely sparkle and extra sweetness.

Step 9: Bake

Place the cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still soft. The cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your chewy molasses chocolate chip cookies warm, or store them for later!

Health-Conscious Tweaks

Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index.
Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added healthy fats and texture.

Insider Tips

For an extra kick of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture; it should be soft but not melted.
To prevent cookies from spreading too much, avoid skipping the chilling step.
Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, for a unique twist.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just scoop and roll the cookies when you’re ready to bake. If you want to freeze the dough, roll it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the cookie balls to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Ask the Chef

Can I use a different type of sweetener?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different sweeteners, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. Honey or maple syrup can be used, but you may need to adjust the dry ingredients accordingly.

What if I don’t have molasses?

If you’re out of molasses, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup, but it will change the flavor. For a similar taste, consider using a mix of brown sugar and a little water to mimic the moisture and sweetness of molasses.

Can I add mix-ins to these cookies?

Definitely! Feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor boost.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.

Bring It Home

These Chewy Molasses Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors that come together beautifully. With the perfect balance of spiciness from the molasses and warmth from the chocolate, they are sure to bring joy to any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, each bite will remind you of home and comfort. So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of cookies that will make your taste buds dance! Enjoy every chewy, chocolatey morsel.