Soft Molasses Cookies

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Beat in the egg until well incorporated, then add the molasses, mixing until smooth.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft but manageable.
2. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape and enhances the flavor.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 5: Shape and Roll

1. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar.
2. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the cookies hard.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tips and Tricks

• Chill the Dough: Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and ensures they stay soft and chewy.
• Don’t Overbake: For truly soft cookies, remove them from the oven when the centers still look slightly underdone. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, make sure your spices are fresh and not expired.

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Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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