Virginia’s Molasses Cookies: A 100-Year-Old Family Recipe

Few things evoke the comfort of home baking like a classic molasses cookie. The rich flavor of molasses combined with the warmth of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves is a timeless treat. Virginia’s Molasses Cookies, a beloved recipe passed down through generations, has stood the test of time for over 100 years. With its perfectly balanced sweetness and a slightly spicy kick, this cookie recipe brings nostalgia and warmth with every bite.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion—especially when you want to share a piece of history with your family and friends. The cookies are crisp on the edges, yet soft and chewy in the middle, making them the ideal dessert or snack to enjoy year-round.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making Virginia’s Molasses Cookies step-by-step. We’ll also provide helpful tips and FAQs to ensure your batch turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients for Virginia’s Molasses Cookies

To create these delicious molasses cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Here’s what you need:

For the Cookie Dough:

3/4 cup shortening (or use 1 stick margarine and 1/2 stick butter as a substitute)
1 cup sugar

1/4 cup molasses (heaping)
1 large egg
2 tsp baking soda

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt

How to Make Virginia’s Molasses Cookies

Follow these simple steps to bake a batch of molasses cookies that are sure to become a new family favorite. The process is straightforward, and with a little patience, you’ll have freshly baked cookies in no time.

Step 1: Cream the Shortening and Sugar

Start by creaming the shortening and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step helps to create a light, airy texture for your cookies.

Cream Shortening and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shortening (or margarine and butter mixture) with the sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to blend them together until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Molasses

Molasses is the star ingredient of these cookies, providing that rich, deep flavor. Add it to the creamed mixture and blend well.

Add Molasses: Add the molasses to the bowl and mix until fully combined with the shortening and sugar mixture.

Step 3: Add the Egg

Next, add the egg to the molasses mixture. The egg helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough, ensuring the cookies stay soft.

Add Egg: Crack the egg into the mixture and beat until smooth. The batter should be thick and uniform in texture.

Step 4: Sift Dry Ingredients

Sifting your dry ingredients is an important step that ensures there are no lumps in the flour and spices. It also helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and spices throughout the dough.

Sift Together Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, ground ginger, and cinnamon. This will give your cookies an even spice distribution.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to combine the wet ingredients with the dry. Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until the dough is fully combined.

Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Mix until the dough is smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 6: Shape the Dough into Balls

Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape it into balls. This is a simple yet essential step in achieving the perfect cookie texture.

Form the Dough into Balls: Using your hands or a spoon, form the dough into 1-inch balls. Try to make the balls uniform in size so they bake evenly.

Step 7: Roll the Dough in Sugar

This step gives the cookies a sweet, sparkly finish and a slightly crunchy exterior.

Roll in Sugar: Roll each dough ball in sugar, coating them completely. This gives the cookies a delicate sugary crunch on the outside once baked.

Step 8: Flatten the Dough

To ensure the cookies bake evenly and have that classic molasses cookie shape, flatten them slightly before baking.

Flatten the Dough: Use the bottom of a juice glass dipped in sugar to gently flatten each dough ball. Place the flattened cookies 2 inches apart on a well-greased cookie sheet. This will allow room for the cookies to spread as they bake.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Now it’s time to bake! The oven temperature and baking time are key to achieving the right texture for these cookies—crisp on the edges, soft in the middle.

Bake at 350°F: Bake the cookies at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on the first batch to avoid over-baking, as oven temperatures can vary. The cookies should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.

Step 10: Cool the Cookies

Once the cookies are baked to perfection, it’s important to let them cool properly. This helps them firm up without losing their chewy texture.

Cool on Toweling or Wire Racks: Remove the cookies immediately from the oven and let them cool on toweling or wire racks. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving or storing.

Tips for the Best Molasses Cookies

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: To ensure a smooth dough, make sure the shortening, butter, and egg are at room temperature before you begin mixing.
Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the dough. This can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different. For best results, keep an eye on the first batch and adjust the baking time if necessary. The cookies should be lightly golden at the edges when done.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This can make the dough a bit easier to handle and help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Customize with Add-ins: If you like, you can add a handful of chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins to the dough for an extra twist on the classic recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies without shortening?

Yes! You can replace the shortening with additional butter if you prefer. However, shortening helps to give the cookies a slightly crispier texture.

How should I store the molasses cookies?

Store your molasses cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them or freeze them for up to three months.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just roll it into balls, coat them in sugar, and bake as usual when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Why are my molasses cookies spreading too much?

If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be due to warm dough or an oven that is too hot. Ensure your dough is chilled before baking, and use a properly preheated oven.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the baking soda and spices for any gluten-containing additives.

Conclusion

Virginia’s Molasses Cookies are a classic, family-favorite recipe that has stood the test of time for over 100 years. The combination of molasses, spices, and a soft, chewy texture makes them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or enjoying them on your own, these cookies offer a delicious slice of history with every bite. By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe and utilizing the helpful tips and FAQs, you’re sure to create a batch of molasses cookies that will delight everyone who tries them. Enjoy the warmth, sweetness, and spice of this beloved dessert!