Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy recipe that captures the essence of fall, look no further than these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies. They are the perfect blend of pumpkin goodness and warm spices, creating a delightful treat that fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma. Whether you’re baking for a busy weeknight dessert or planning a family gathering, these cookies will surely impress everyone!

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up a batch. The combination of molasses and pumpkin puree gives these cookies their unique chewy texture and rich flavor. Trust me, once you bake these cookies, they will become a go-to favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, anyone can bake these delicious cookies.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the soft texture and sweet taste, making them an ideal treat for all ages.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for potlucks or as gifts, bringing smiles to friends and family alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can chill the dough ahead of time, so they’re ready when you are!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and molasses creates a warm, comforting taste that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! This list keeps things straightforward while ensuring you get those delicious Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies just right.

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra decadent treat.
• Nuts Galore: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat alongside the spices.
• Frosting Finish: Top your cooled cookies with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper in a bowl. This step ensures that all the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps your cookies rise perfectly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. Then add in your brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree. Beat this mixture for about two minutes. This step is essential because it combines flavors while incorporating air into the dough, giving your cookies that light texture.

Step 3: Add the Egg

Once your mixture is creamy and fluffy, add in one large egg. Beat this together for another minute. The egg acts as a binder in your cookie dough while adding moisture!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low before gradually adding in your dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overbeat! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Your dough will be very soft at this point—don’t worry! Divide it in half and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Chill it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate it for at least an hour. Chilling makes handling easier since it minimizes stickiness.

Step 6: Preheat Your Oven

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350° F. This ensures that as soon as you’re ready to bake those delicious cookies, they’ll go into an adequately heated oven!

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 cookie scoop for uniformity. Roll these balls in sugar before transferring them onto lined baking sheets.

Step 8: Flatten Your Cookies

Using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup, gently press down on each cookie until they’re between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick. Spacing them about an inch apart allows them room to spread while baking.

Step 9: Bake!

Pop them into your preheated oven! Bake for about 12-14 minutes until they feel set on top but still soft underneath.

Step 10: Cool Down

Once baked, let those lovely cookies cool on the sheets for about five minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. This step helps them firm up just enough while keeping that chewy texture intact!

Step 11: Enjoy!

Finally! Once they’ve cooled slightly—if you can resist—enjoy these warm Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk or tea!

Now you have everything you need to create these delightful treats! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature butter – Starting with butter that is softened to room temperature creates a creamy consistency, allowing for better incorporation of ingredients and a fluffier cookie.

• Chill the dough – Giving the dough time to chill not only makes it easier to handle but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, leading to that perfect soft and chewy texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough – Mixing just until the dry ingredients are incorporated helps prevent tough cookies. You want them soft, so be gentle!

• Check for doneness – Since ovens vary, keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. They should feel set on top but still soft in the center for that ideal chewiness.

• Store properly – To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment—just make sure they are fully cooled before freezing!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

These cookies not only taste amazing but also look delightful when presented right! Here are a few ways to serve them that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spices.
• Drizzle with maple syrup – For a cozy autumn vibe, drizzle some pure maple syrup over the cookies before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider – The spiced notes in warm apple cider complement the pumpkin flavors perfectly, creating a comforting beverage pairing.
• Creamy vanilla ice cream – Serving these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Roasted nuts – A small bowl of roasted pecans or walnuts offers a crunchy side that pairs well with the softness of the cookies.
• Spiced chai tea – A cup of spiced chai tea enhances the warm flavors of pumpkin and molasses, making for a lovely afternoon treat.

Now you’re ready to bake up a storm with these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies! Enjoy sharing them with loved ones or savoring them all by yourself—either way, they’re sure to bring warmth and joy to your day.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy your favorite fall flavors whenever the craving strikes. Whether you want to make a batch ahead of time or store leftovers, this recipe has you covered!

Storing Leftovers

• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
• For maximum freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies.
• If you notice them getting too soft, pop them in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• Shape the cookie dough into balls before freezing for convenience.
• Place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookie dough balls to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to three months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Arrange cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• For thawed frozen cookie dough, bake from frozen for an additional minute or two.

FAQs

Got questions about making these delicious cookies? Let’s dive into some common inquiries!

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

Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin puree can add a delightful flavor to your cookies. Just make sure it’s well-drained so that excess moisture doesn’t affect the texture.

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

To keep your cookies chewy, avoid overbaking them. Take them out of the oven when they’re just set on top; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

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

Yes! You can use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. Additionally, maple syrup can be used as an alternative sweetener if you’re looking for something different.

How can I make these cookies more seasonal?

You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips to give these cookies an extra seasonal twist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies! They truly capture the essence of autumn with their warm spices and cozy flavors. Whip up a batch today, share them with loved ones, or enjoy them all by yourself—there’s no wrong way to indulge! Happy baking!