Sometimes, all you need is a simple, homemade bun to enjoy with your afternoon tea or morning coffee. These Easy Molasses Buns are a delightful treat—soft, slightly sweet, and infused with the rich, earthy flavor of molasses. They’re quick to make, require basic pantry ingredients, and fill your kitchen with the warm, nostalgic aroma of freshly baked goods.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these buns are a stress-free recipe that never fails to impress. They’re versatile enough to serve with butter, jam, or honey, and taste just as good plain.
Why You’ll Love These Molasses Buns
- Quick and Easy – From start to finish, you’ll have fresh buns ready in under 30 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients – Flour, butter, molasses, and sugar—you probably have everything you need already.
- Moist and Tender – Molasses keeps the buns soft and moist, while brown sugar enhances sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Perfect Anytime – Enjoy them for breakfast, with afternoon tea, or as a satisfying snack.
- Customizable – Add spices like cinnamon or ginger for warmth, or serve with different spreads for variety.
Ingredients for Easy Molasses Buns
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – the base of the dough
- 2 tsp baking powder – helps the buns rise and stay fluffy
- ½ tsp baking soda – works with molasses to add lightness
- ½ tsp salt – balances sweetness
- ½ cup brown sugar – adds sweetness and a caramel-like richness
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened – for tenderness and flavor
- ½ cup molasses – the star ingredient, providing deep, earthy sweetness
- ½ cup milk – to moisten the dough
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional) – subtle background flavor
Optional Spices
- ½ tsp cinnamon or ginger – for extra warmth and a cozy, spiced flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar until evenly combined.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the softened butter to the dry mixture. Use a fork, pastry cutter, or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks crumbly, with small pea-sized bits of butter remaining. This step is key to creating light and tender buns.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses, milk, and vanilla extract (if using). Make sure the molasses fully dissolves into the milk mixture.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the buns tough.
Step 6: Shape the Buns
Lightly flour your hands, then scoop portions of dough and roll them into small balls. Flatten slightly and place on the prepared baking sheet. You should get 12–14 buns, depending on size.
Step 7: Bake
Place the buns in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Transfer the buns to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. They’re especially delicious when enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Molasses buns are versatile and pair beautifully with sweet or savory toppings. Here are some ideas to try:
- With Butter – A simple pat of butter melts into the warm bun for extra richness.
- With Jam or Preserves – Strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam complements the earthy molasses flavor.
- With Honey – Drizzle honey over warm buns for natural sweetness.
- With Tea or Coffee – Perfect for afternoon tea, breakfast, or a mid-morning snack.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Molasses Buns
- Don’t Overwork the Dough – Stir just until combined to keep the buns light and fluffy.
- Use Fresh Molasses – Old or expired molasses can taste bitter; fresh molasses gives the best flavor.
- Add Spices for Depth – Cinnamon, ginger, or even nutmeg can make these buns taste cozy and festive.
- Check for Doneness – The tops should be golden, and the buns should feel firm but not hard.
- Serve Warm – These buns are best enjoyed slightly warm for maximum softness and flavor.
Fun Variations to Try
- Spiced Molasses Buns – Add 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ginger, and a pinch of nutmeg for a spiced, holiday-inspired version.
- Glazed Buns – Brush with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk after baking.
- Raisin or Currant Buns – Fold in ½ cup of raisins or currants before shaping the dough.
- Nutty Twist – Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Coconut Version – Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top before baking for a tropical touch.
Nutritional Information (per bun)
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days when stored in a sealed container.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled buns in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds.
Conclusion
These Easy Molasses Buns are soft, moist, and delicately sweet—perfect for any occasion. They’re simple enough for everyday baking yet special enough to serve at gatherings or holiday tables. Whether you enjoy them with butter, jam, or a drizzle of honey, they’re guaranteed to bring comfort and satisfaction with every bite.
So, the next time you’re craving something homemade and heartwarming, whip up a batch of these buns—you’ll be glad you did!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make molasses buns ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Warm them in the oven before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
Can I use blackstrap molasses?
It’s not recommended, as blackstrap molasses is more bitter and less sweet. Regular molasses works best for balance and flavor.
Can I make these buns without butter?
Yes. You can substitute butter with margarine or vegetable shortening, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Can I add oats to the dough?
Yes, replacing ½ cup of flour with rolled oats will give the buns a hearty, rustic texture.
Do these buns taste like gingerbread?
Not exactly. They share some flavor notes, especially if you add spices, but they’re less sweet and more bread-like than gingerbread cookies.