Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that captures the essence of fall, look no further! These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are like a warm hug on a chilly day. With their delightful blend of pumpkin and spices, they evoke all the cozy vibes of autumn. I love making these cookies for family gatherings, cozy movie nights, or even just as a little treat after a busy week. You can’t go wrong with something that smells as good as it tastes!

The best part? They’re super easy to whip up! Whether you’re baking for your loved ones or indulging on your own, these cookies bring joy and warmth to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll be enjoying warm cookies in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids love these cookies! They’re perfect for school lunches or an after-school snack.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of pumpkin and molasses creates a wonderfully rich taste that’s hard to resist.
• Make-ahead convenience: The dough can be chilled or frozen ahead of time, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe calls for simple, wholesome items that you likely have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies:

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 quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with your cookies. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add chocolate chips: Mix in some dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
• Incorporate nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat to contrast with the sweetness.
• Use different sugars: Swap out brown sugar for coconut sugar for a slight caramel flavor.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper in a bowl. This step is important because it ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the packed brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree. Beat this mixture for about 2 minutes until everything is combined well—scraping down the sides helps ensure nothing gets left behind!

Step 3: Add the Egg

Now it’s time to add your large egg. Beat it into the mixture for about one minute until fully incorporated. The egg adds moisture and helps bind everything together.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Reduce your mixer speed to low before adding the dry ingredients gradually. Mix until just combined; over-mixing can lead to tougher cookies. You want your dough to remain soft and fluffy!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

The dough will be quite soft at this point. Divide it in half and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for an hour. Chilling helps firm up the dough so it’s easier to roll later.

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 prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Once chilled, take one piece of dough at a time. Divide it into 12 pieces, rolling each into a ball using your hands or a cookie scoop for even sizes. Roll each ball in sugar before placing them on your prepared cookie sheets.

Step 8: Flatten & Bake

Using the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each cookie ball until they’re about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Leave about an inch between each cookie as they will spread when baking. Bake them in your preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until they feel set on top.

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy!

After removing from the oven, let them cool on the sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy these delicious cookies warm right out of the oven—they’re simply irresistible!

Pro Tips for Making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Baking is all about the details, and with these simple tips, you’ll create cookies that are perfectly soft and chewy every time!

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps solidify the fat, making it easier to handle and ensuring your cookies maintain their shape while baking.

• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft texture you’re aiming for.

• Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices if possible. They pack a punch and make your cookies taste even more delightful.

• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies toward the end of the baking time. If they look set but still slightly soft in the center, they are done! They will continue to firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts before chilling the dough for a fun twist on flavor and texture!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Presenting your delicious pumpkin molasses cookies can be just as much fun as baking them! Here are some delightful ways to serve them that will impress family and friends alike.

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
• Drizzle with maple syrup: A thin drizzle of pure maple syrup enhances the pumpkin flavor and gives a lovely shine.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Pumpkin Soup: This warm soup offers a savory contrast to sweet cookies, making for a comforting meal.
• Autumn Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cranberries, pecans, and a light vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Spiced Chai Tea: Enjoy your cookies with a cup of spiced chai tea; its warm flavors echo those in your pumpkin treats.
• Vanilla Coconut Milk Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert experience, pair these cookies with creamy coconut milk ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

Now that you have all these serving suggestions and tips at your fingertips, it’s time to gather your loved ones around for some cookie magic. Happy baking!

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 the baked cookies, ensuring you have a delightful treat whenever you crave something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze the unbaked cookie dough, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for about 5 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while making your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies:

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes! You can definitely use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s well-cooked and blended until smooth before adding it to your cookie mixture.

What makes these cookies soft and chewy?

The combination of brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree contributes to their soft and chewy texture. The chilling process also helps achieve the right consistency!

How can I adjust the sweetness of my Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies?

If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly. However, keep in mind that this may affect the overall texture.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to these cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some walnuts or chocolate chips into the dough before chilling for added flavor and texture.

How do I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much while baking?

Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly before baking. This helps maintain their shape during baking!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies as much as I do! They embody the essence of autumn with their warm spices and rich flavors. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or sharing with friends and family, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor each delightful bite!