Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that captures the essence of autumn in every bite, then these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are just what you need! Imagine the warm aroma of spices filling your kitchen as they bake. These cookies have a delightful blend of pumpkin and molasses that makes them incredibly soft and chewy—perfect for cozy evenings with family or a sweet treat during busy weeknights. Trust me, they will quickly become a favorite at your house!

These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, they’re sure to impress everyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip these up even on a busy day.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the soft texture and rich flavors—making them perfect for family gatherings!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, so you can bake whenever the craving strikes.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin puree and molasses creates a unique taste that is both comforting and festive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful cookies, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to play around with different flavors and textures. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in some dark chocolate chips for an extra indulgent twist.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg if you want to switch up the flavor profile.
• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch that complements the chewiness perfectly.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan-friendly option.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together all your dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper—in a bowl. This step is essential as it ensures that everything is evenly distributed before mixing into your wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the butter on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. Add in the brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree. Beating this mixture for about two minutes helps combine all those wonderful flavors together while creating that luscious texture we love in cookies.

Step 3: Mix in the Egg

Next, add your large egg to the mix and beat everything together for another minute. This adds moisture and richness to your cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Reduce your mixer speed to low, then gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which we definitely want to avoid!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Your dough will be quite soft at this point. Divide it in half and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for an hour. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle when rolling into balls.

Step 6: Preheat & Prepare Baking Sheets

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick while baking.

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Once chilled, take one packet of dough out at a time. Divide it into twelve equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball—using a cookie scoop can help keep them uniform! Roll each ball in sugar before placing them on your prepared baking sheets about an inch apart.

Step 8: Bake!

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

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy!

Once baked, let your cookies cool on the sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy them warm fresh out of the oven—they’re best enjoyed right away!

I hope you love these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies as much as I do! They truly capture all the cozy feelings of fall in one delightful bite.

Pro Tips for Making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Making the perfect batch of Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies can be a joy, especially with these handy tips!

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge or freezer not only makes it easier to handle but also helps in developing a richer flavor and chewier texture in your cookies.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: If possible, opt for homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned for a fresher taste. Simply roast pumpkin chunks until tender, blend them until smooth, and enjoy that lovely autumn flavor.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon your flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping it directly from the bag. This prevents packing and ensures you don’t end up with dry cookies.

• Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye while baking! The cookies may look slightly underbaked when you pull them out; they’ll continue to set as they cool, ensuring that soft and chewy texture we all love.

• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices according to your taste. A bit more pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of nutmeg can add delightful depth to the flavor profile.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

These cookies are wonderful on their own, but you can elevate their presentation for special occasions or cozy gatherings.

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light sprinkle adds an elegant touch without overshadowing the cookie’s delicious flavors.
• Drizzle with maple syrup: A gentle drizzle enhances sweetness while complementing the pumpkin and molasses perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea mirror those in these cookies, creating a comforting pairing that’s perfect for chilly days.
• Hot Apple Cider: This classic autumn drink not only warms you up but also brings out the spices in the cookies beautifully.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these warm cookies creates a delightful contrast between hot and cold, adding a creamy richness.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds a refreshing balance to the rich sweetness of the cookies, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.

Enjoy sharing these delightful Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies with your loved ones—they’re sure to bring smiles all around!

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 or store baked cookies for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them fresh longer, layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze dough, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For baked cookies, allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen baked cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating.
• Warm cookies in the oven at 350° F for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Have questions about these delicious cookies? Here are some common inquiries!

How do I achieve soft and chewy pumpkin molasses cookies?

To ensure your cookies are soft and chewy, be careful not to overmix the dough and bake them just until set. Chilling the dough also helps maintain their texture.

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree in my soft and chewy pumpkin molasses cookies?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s well-drained if it’s homemade, as excess moisture can affect the cookie’s consistency.

What can I substitute for butter in the soft and chewy pumpkin molasses cookies?

You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free spread as a butter alternative. Both will provide great flavor and texture!

How can I make my soft and chewy pumpkin molasses cookies more spiced?

Feel free to increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for an extra kick!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about baking these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies as I am! They’re not just a treat; they’re a warm hug on a chilly day, filled with all the cozy flavors of fall. Enjoy making these delightful cookies, share them with loved ones, or savor them all by yourself. Happy baking!