Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. These delightful cookies bring the essence of autumn into every bite, featuring a unique blend of pumpkin and molasses flavors. With their soft texture and chewy consistency, they are sure to be a favorite in your home. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these cookies will not disappoint!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and molasses creates a rich, warm flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these cookies without any hassle.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for gatherings, bringing joy to friends and family alike.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert or a cozy snack with your favorite beverage.
• Seasonal Appeal: The spices evoke the feeling of fall, making them ideal for seasonal festivities.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: A stand mixer saves time and effort while ensuring your butter is whipped perfectly creamy.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls helps keep your ingredients organized and makes the mixing process smoother.

Ingredients

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

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl.
1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper.
2. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Blend your wet ingredients until smooth.
1. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy.
2. Add the brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree; beat for about 2 minutes while scraping down the sides as necessary.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Incorporate the dry mixture into your wet ingredients.
1. Add the egg to the mixture, beating for 1 minute until fully combined.
2. Reduce mixer speed to low; gradually add in the dry ingredients until just mixed. Avoid overbeating.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Chilling is key for easy handling.
1. Divide dough in half; wrap each half in plastic wrap.
2. Freeze for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for at least one hour.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Get ready for baking!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Prepare them for baking.
1. Place sugar in a small bowl.
2. Take one packet of chilled dough at a time; divide it into 12 pieces and roll each piece into a ball using a cookie scoop for even sizes.
3. Roll balls in sugar before placing them on cookie sheets about an inch apart.
4. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass until they are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.

Step 7: Bake

Time to bake!
1. Bake cookies for about 12-14 minutes or until tops feel set when lightly touched.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let them settle before serving.
1. Once baked, allow cookies to cool on sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Enjoy!

Serve these delicious Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies warm from the oven!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting a gathering, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat. The creaminess complements the spices perfectly.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Top your warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream adds a delicious contrast to the chewy texture.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a dessert platter alongside other seasonal treats. This makes for an attractive presentation during gatherings.

As an Afternoon Snack

• Enjoy these cookies as a snack with your favorite tea or coffee. The spices in the cookies make them an ideal companion for warm beverages.

Gift Them

• Package your cookies in decorative boxes as gifts. They make thoughtful homemade presents for friends and family during the fall season.

How to Perfect Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Perfecting your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies is easier than you think! Follow these tips to ensure every batch turns out amazing.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill makes it easier to handle and helps achieve that soft, chewy texture.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
• Watch baking time closely: Bake until the tops feel set but still soft. This ensures they remain chewy inside.
• Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness for days.

Best Side Dishes for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Chai Tea
   The warm spices in chai tea complement the flavors of pumpkin and molasses beautifully, creating a cozy pairing.
2. Cream Cheese Frosting
   Spread or dip your cookies in creamy frosting for an added layer of sweetness, enhancing their rich flavor.
3. Spiced Apple Cider
   Serve warm spiced apple cider alongside your cookies for a comforting fall-inspired treat.
4. Harvest Salad
   A light salad with seasonal fruits, nuts, and greens provides a fresh contrast to the rich flavor of the cookies.
5. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing side that balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
6. Pumpkin Soup
   For an unexpected twist, serve alongside a smooth pumpkin soup; the flavors tie together perfectly for autumn dining.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring chilling time: Dough that isn’t chilled will spread too much during baking. Always chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to maintain the right shape.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour leads to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately.
• Skipping parchment paper: Baking directly on sheets can cause sticking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Underbaking the cookies: Pulling cookies out too early may leave them raw inside. Bake until the tops feel set to ensure they are fully cooked.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep layers of cookies separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covered, for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure it is well-cooked and pureed smoothly.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Cookies are done when the tops feel set and no longer look shiny or wet.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips enhances the flavor while keeping your cookies soft and gooey.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can make your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice as substitutes.

Final Thoughts

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies embody the essence of autumn with every bite. Their versatility allows you to customize them with mix-ins or spices according to your taste. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or stored for later, these cookies are sure to please everyone!