Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are perfect for cozy autumn days and festive gatherings. These delightful cookies blend the rich flavors of pumpkin with warm spices, creating a treat that is both comforting and memorable. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply craving a sweet snack, these cookies are a fantastic choice. Their unique texture and flavor will surely make them a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, molasses, and spices creates a rich taste that warms the soul.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are ideal for fall celebrations, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The chilling step ensures soft centers with a slightly chewy bite.
• Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to personalize your cookies.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes it easy to cream butter and sugar, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and allows for easy cleanup.
• Cookie scoop: Helps create evenly sized cookie balls for uniform baking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious 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

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. Add in the brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree. Beat for about 2 minutes while scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer with a large bowl.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the egg to the wet mixture and beat together for 1 minute. Reduce the mixer speed to low before adding in the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid over-beating as this can affect cookie texture.

Step 4: Chill Dough

The dough will be very soft. Divide it in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for at least 1 hour; chilling helps manage stickiness.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Place sugar in a small bowl. Working with one half of dough at a time, divide it into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball using your hands or a cookie scoop for even sizes.

Step 7: Roll in Sugar

Roll each ball in sugar before transferring them onto lined cookie sheets. Use the bottom of a glass to flatten them to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, spacing them an inch apart.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake cookies for about 12-14 minutes or until they feel set on top when touched.

Step 9: Cool

Remove from oven and let cool on sheets for around 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Repeat with the second batch of dough if needed. Enjoy your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies warm from the oven!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are delightful on their own, but they can be served in various ways to enhance your experience. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enjoy these cookies to the fullest.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing these cookies with cold milk creates a classic combination that brings out the pumpkin flavor perfectly.

Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert that melts in your mouth.

Drizzled with Cream Cheese Glaze

• A light drizzle of cream cheese glaze adds a sweet tang that complements the rich molasses flavor beautifully.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies alongside other autumn treats like caramel apples and pecan pie for a festive dessert spread.

With Hot Spiced Apple Cider

• Enjoy your cookies with a warm cup of spiced apple cider for an extra cozy fall treat.

Gift-Wrapped for Friends

• Package these cookies in festive boxes or bags as delightful gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

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How to Perfect Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

To ensure your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Chill the Dough: Letting the dough chill makes it easier to handle and helps create a softer texture.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and consistency.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents using too much flour, which can make cookies dry.
• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Since oven temperatures can vary, check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time.
• Let Them Rest: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a rack. This helps them set properly.

Best Side Dishes for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

While these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies shine on their own, they pair nicely with several side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here’s a list of great options!

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This warm drink complements the spices in the cookies perfectly, making it an ideal pairing for coffee lovers.
2. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp adds another layer of fall flavors, creating a delicious dessert duo.
3. Cheese Plate: Include sharp cheddar or creamy brie to contrast the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: A bowl of this comforting soup is perfect alongside your cookies for a cozy meal.
5. Caramel Sauce for Dipping: Offering caramel sauce as a dip makes enjoying these cookies even more indulgent.
6. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides balance with its acidity and lightness against the rich cookie flavors.
7. Nutty Granola Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit in a parfait glass for a wholesome side dish that pairs well with cookies.
8. Hot Chocolate: A mug of rich hot chocolate is another fantastic option for dipping or enjoying alongside your delicious pumpkin molasses treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies can be simple, but a few mistakes can spoil the fun. Here are common errors to watch out for:

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for texture. If you skip this, your cookies may spread too much while baking.
• Using stale spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Always check your pumpkin pie spice for freshness before using it in your recipe.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for that soft and chewy texture.
• Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements matter. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure consistency.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed for perfect results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes for freshness.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat; cover with a lid for about 2 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some commonly asked questions.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of puree?

You can use fresh pumpkin, but make sure it’s well-cooked and pureed smoothly to match the consistency of canned pumpkin puree.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

What can I add to customize these cookies?

Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for unique flavors in your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies.

How should I store leftover cookie dough?

Wrap leftover cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies capture the essence of autumn with every bite. Their delightful flavor pairs well with various add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, allowing you to customize them according to your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delicious treats warm from the oven!