Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are the perfect treat to embrace the flavors of autumn. These cookies are delightfully soft, with a chewy texture and a warm spice that will make them a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, an afternoon snack, or just to enjoy at home, these cookies bring warmth and comfort. The unique blend of pumpkin puree and molasses creates an irresistible flavor that stands out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and molasses delivers a rich, warm taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up without hassle.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for any occasion—serve them at gatherings, or enjoy them with your coffee during quiet afternoons.
• Chewy Texture: The secret to their delightful chewiness lies in the chilling process, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
• Great for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends and family; they’re sure to be a hit!

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Gather your equipment before you start cooking so you can enjoy the process without interruptions.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools save time and energy when mixing ingredients, ensuring everything is well combined.
• Cookie scoop: This helps portion dough evenly, resulting in uniformly sized cookies that bake evenly.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment makes cleanup easier and prevents cookies from sticking.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create these 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 Your Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the following dry ingredients in a bowl:
1. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Beat the butter on medium speed until creamy.
2. Add brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree; beat for 2 minutes while scraping down the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add the Egg

1. Incorporate the egg into your mixture; beat together for about one minute.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Reduce mixer speed to low:
1. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

The dough will be very soft:
1. Divide it into halves; wrap each in plastic wrap.
2. Freeze for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for at least an hour.

Step 6: Preheat Your Oven

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

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Prepare sugar for rolling:
1. Take one packet of dough; divide into 12 pieces.
2. Roll each piece into a ball using your cookie scoop.
3. Roll balls in sugar before placing them on baking sheets.

Step 8: Flatten and Bake

Use the bottom of a glass:
1. Press down on each cookie until about 1/4 – 1/2 inch thick.
2. Space them about an inch apart.
3. Bake for 12-14 minutes until set.

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool:
1. Let them cool on sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
2. Repeat with remaining dough batch.
3. Enjoy these delightful cookies fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and they will surely delight your guests.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk enhances their flavor and adds a comforting touch to your snack time.

As Dessert Toppers

• Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream for an autumn-inspired dessert that combines textures and flavors beautifully.

With Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream on top makes these cookies even more indulgent, turning them into a delightful treat.

As Party Favors

• Package these cookies in festive bags with a ribbon. They make great gifts for friends or family during gatherings.

Alongside Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite hot beverage. Their flavors complement both tea and coffee perfectly, creating a cozy experience.

How to Perfect Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Perfecting your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies is simple with a few helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to elevate your baking game.

• Chill the Dough: Letting the dough chill helps prevent spreading, ensuring you get those thick, chewy cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing butter and eggs to room temperature allows for better mixing, leading to fluffier cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
• Check for Doneness: Bake until the tops feel set but still soft; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness.

Best Side Dishes for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

These delicious cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some excellent options to consider when serving them.

1. Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread this rich frosting on top of each cookie for added sweetness and creaminess.
2. Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices offer a crisp contrast that balances the soft texture of the cookies.
3. Nut Mix: A mix of nuts provides crunch and protein, making it an excellent companion for your pumpkin treats.
4. Cheese Board: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese on a cheese board for an elegant pairing.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits alongside these cookies for a delightful breakfast option.
6. Pumpkin Soup: Serve with a warm bowl of pumpkin soup for an unexpectedly delicious fall-themed meal.
7. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and complements the spices in the cookies perfectly.
8. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies or serve it on the side for dipping, adding richness to each bite.

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:

• Overmixing the dough – This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Skipping the chilling time – Not chilling the dough makes it sticky and hard to handle. Always chill for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
• Incorrect oven temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the texture. Always preheat your oven to 350° F before baking.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using too much flour or sugar can alter the recipe. Use a scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
• Using old baking soda – Expired baking soda won’t give your cookies the rise they need. Check expiration dates and replace if necessary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350° F and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat, covered, for about 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

To ensure softness, avoid overbaking them. The cookies should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven.

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes! Just make sure it is well-drained so that excess moisture doesn’t affect the dough consistency.

What can I substitute if I don’t have molasses?

You can use dark brown sugar or honey as a substitute, but this will alter the flavor slightly.

How long do these cookies last after baking?

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies last about one week in an airtight container at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn. They are not only delicious but also versatile; you can customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Try this recipe today, and enjoy homemade cookies that will surely impress family and friends!