Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of autumn, look no further than these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies. These cookies are not just delicious; they fill your kitchen with a warm and inviting aroma that makes everyone feel right at home. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe has become a cherished favorite in my household.

What I love most about these cookies is their comforting blend of pumpkin and molasses, making each bite a delightful experience. Your family and friends will keep coming back for more, and they might even ask for the recipe themselves!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, whipping up these cookies is a breeze.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids adore the soft texture and sweet flavor, making them perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
• Perfectly Cozy Flavor: The combination of pumpkin pie spice and molasses creates that perfect autumn taste that everyone loves.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can chill the dough ahead of time, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them plain, or add a sprinkle of nuts or chocolate chips for an extra touch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry; you likely have most of them in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Dough

• 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

For Rolling

• 1/2 cup sugar

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add Some Chocolate Chips: A handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips mixed into the dough adds a delightful twist.
• Incorporate Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can bring in a lovely crunch alongside the chewy texture.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with different spices like cinnamon or ginger to create your own unique flavor profile.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs without losing any deliciousness.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper in a bowl. This step is essential as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout your cookie dough.

Step 2: Cream 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. Add in the packed brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree. Beat this mixture for about two minutes. Scraping down the sides ensures every ingredient gets mixed well—this will give your cookies that rich flavor.

Step 3: Add Egg

Next, add in one large egg to the mixture and beat for about one minute. This helps bind all the ingredients together while adding moisture to your cookies.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add in your dry ingredients from step one. Mix until just combined—over-mixing can lead to tough cookies! The dough will be very soft at this point.

Step 5: Chill Out

Divide your dough into two halves and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Pop them into the freezer for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling is key here; it makes handling sticky dough much easier when you’re ready to shape those cookies!

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—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Once chilled, take one piece of dough out at a time. Divide it into twelve pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Roll each ball in sugar before placing them on your prepared baking sheets about an inch apart.

Step 8: Flatten & Bake

Using the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each cookie ball until they are between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick. Bake those beauties for about 12-14 minutes or until they feel set on top.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps maintain their soft texture while they finish setting up!

Step 10: Enjoy!

Finally, enjoy these warm Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies fresh out of the oven! They’re best shared with loved ones over hot cocoa or coffee—perfect for those cozy fall evenings!

Pro Tips for Making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Baking cookies can sometimes feel tricky, but with these helpful tips, you’ll be on your way to cookie perfection!

• Chill the Dough: Letting the dough chill for at least 30 minutes helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and ensuring your cookies don’t spread too much while baking.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter mixes more easily with the sugars, resulting in a smoother texture and better incorporation of air for a fluffier cookie.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft texture we desire.
• Adjust Baking Time: Ovens can vary in temperature; start checking your cookies at the lower end of the baking time range to prevent overbaking.
• Store Properly: To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The moisture from the bread will help maintain their texture.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Presenting your delicious cookies is just as important as making them! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your cookie experience.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking adds a sweet touch and enhances the autumn flavor.
• Chopped Nuts: Finely chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top right after baking add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or spiced tea pairs perfectly with these cookies, bringing out their flavors beautifully.
• Vanilla Non-Dairy Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of non-dairy ice cream complements the spiciness of the cookies, creating a lovely dessert experience.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies with bright and vibrant flavors, perfect for a light contrast.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: For an extra cozy treat, enjoy these cookies alongside a pumpkin spice latte. The flavors harmonize wonderfully!

Now that you’re equipped with pro tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to bake these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies! Enjoy every bite filled with warmth and comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful cookies.

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

Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin puree works wonderfully. Just make sure it’s properly cooked and pureed until smooth.

How do I achieve the perfect texture for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies?

The key is in chilling the dough. Ensure you freeze or refrigerate the dough long enough so it firms up. This helps create that perfect chewy texture you’re looking for!

Can I substitute other spices in my Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies?

Certainly! If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, try using a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to get a similar flavor profile.

What’s the best way to store Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it has brought me! The combination of pumpkin and molasses creates such a delightful fall flavor that’s hard to resist. Baking these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies is not just about making treats; it’s about creating memories with loved ones. Enjoy every step of the process, and don’t hesitate to share your cookie creations with friends! Happy baking!