How to Make Old-Fashioned Molasses Cookies (No Refined Sugar)
Bake a batch of old-fashioned molasses cookies sweetened with honey and molasses—no refined sugar! This soft, chewy recipe is perfect for the holidays.
There’s something magical about the warm, spicy aroma of molasses cookies baking in the oven, especially during the holiday season. These old-fashioned molasses cookies are a nostalgic treat that will transport you to simpler times. Made without refined sugar, they’re naturally sweetened with rich molasses and honey, making them a wholesome addition to your holiday baking lineup. This easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
Why Molasses Cookies?
Molasses cookies are a classic treat that embodies everything we love about the holidays—warm spices, a soft and chewy texture, and a flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or hot cocoa. This recipe skips the processed sugar without sacrificing taste, giving you a dessert you can feel good about sharing with your loved ones.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for added nutrition)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. - Cream Butter and Sweeteners
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, honey, and molasses until smooth and well combined. - Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. - Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. - Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy. - Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before rolling. This makes it easier to handle.
- Use Fresh Spices: The flavor of molasses cookies comes from the spices, so make sure your cinnamon, ginger, and cloves are fresh for the best taste.
- Customize the Texture: If you prefer crispier cookies, bake them for an extra minute or two.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these molasses cookies with a glass of milk for the kids or a hot cup of tea or coffee for the adults. They also make a lovely gift when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a festive ribbon.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough to bake fresh cookies later—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Old-Fashioned Molasses Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour for added nutrition
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
Cream Butter and Sweeteners
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, honey, and molasses until smooth and well combined.
Add Egg and Vanilla
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Shape the Cookies
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.
Cool
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These molasses cookies bring the best of the holidays to your home: nostalgia, delicious flavor, and a wholesome twist. They’re the perfect treat for cookie swaps, family gatherings, or a quiet moment by the Christmas tree.
Have you tried my Sourdough Gingerbread Cake? It’s a fantastic treat for the Holiday Season!
