Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with warm spices. With the flavors of pumpkin and molasses combined, they are sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday parties to casual snacks, these cookies fit right in.
• Delicious Flavor Profile: The combination of pumpkin puree and molasses creates a unique taste that’s hard to resist.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies stay moist and chewy, making every bite enjoyable.
• Versatile Recipe: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor variations.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your baking adventure, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Provides even mixing for creamy butter and sugar blends.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, ensuring easy removal of cookies after baking.

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 Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper in a bowl. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your stand mixer with a paddle attachment:
1. Beat the room temperature butter on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy.
2. Add in the brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree.
3. Beat for 2 minutes while scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Mix in Egg

Add the egg to your mixture:
1. Beat together for about 1 minute until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low:
1. Gradually add in the dry ingredients from Step 1.
2. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overbeat.

Step 5: Chill Dough

The dough will be very soft:
1. Divide it in half.
2. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap.
3. Freeze for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C):
1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Place sugar in a small bowl:
1. Working with one half of dough at a time, divide it into 12 pieces.
2. Roll each piece into a ball using your hands or a cookie scoop.
3. Roll these balls in sugar before placing them on the baking sheets.
4. Use the bottom of a glass to flatten each cookie ball until they are between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch thick.
5. Space them about an inch apart on the sheet.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven:
1. For about 12-14 minutes or until set on top.
2. Remove from oven and cool on sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Repeat with remaining dough:
Indulge in your delicious Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies while they are warm!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

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

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a comforting treat.
• Tea: A spicy chai or herbal tea complements the pumpkin flavors beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies with rich hot chocolate for a sweet indulgence.

As Dessert

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor for a delicious twist.
• Topped with Whipped Cream: Add dollops of whipped cream on top for an extra creamy bite.
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: Enhance the sweetness with a drizzle of caramel sauce over the cookies.

For Gifting

• Cookie Gift Baskets: Arrange cookies in decorative boxes or baskets as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
• Party Favors: Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons for a charming party favor.

How to Perfect Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Creating the perfect Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for success.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate or freeze the dough before baking to prevent spreading and enhance texture.
• Measure Accurately: Use proper measuring techniques to ensure accurate amounts of flour and sugar, which affects cookie consistency.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and pumpkin puree to reach room temperature for better mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy instead of tough.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Remove cookies from the oven when they look set but still soft; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Best Side Dishes for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of spiced pumpkin soup pairs perfectly with the sweet cookie flavors.
2. Apple Crisp: The tartness of apples in a crisp contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers a savory balance to the sweet cookies; consider sharp cheddar or goat cheese.
4. Fall Salad: A mixed greens salad topped with roasted nuts, cranberries, and a vinaigrette brings freshness alongside your dessert.
5. Caramelized Pears: Sweet caramelized pears add a fruity flair that complements pumpkin treats beautifully.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: These crunchy snacks provide another layer of flavor while keeping with fall-inspired themes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Improper measurements can lead to cookies that are too dry or too wet. Use kitchen scales or measuring cups for precision.
• Skipping the chilling step – If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Ignoring baking time – Baking too long can cause cookies to harden. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they feel set yet slightly soft.
• Not using parchment paper – Baking directly on a sheet can lead to sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

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 an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Place parchment between layers if storing multiple layers.

Reheating Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, warming cookies gently for about 1 minute on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies.

How do I make my Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies softer?

To ensure softness, avoid overbaking and keep your dough properly chilled before baking.

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, using fresh pumpkin puree is great! Just ensure it’s well-drained for the right consistency.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice in equal parts.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies capture the essence of autumn with their delightful flavors. They are versatile enough to be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Feel free to customize them by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. Try this recipe today and bring warmth into your kitchen!