Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. These cookies capture the essence of autumn with their warm spices and rich flavors. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cozy cup of tea, these cookies stand out with their soft texture and chewy bite. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful recipe that brings the spirit of fall right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree, molasses, and warm spices creates a comforting taste that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just an afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to please.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite offers a satisfying chewiness that makes them irresistible.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, let’s gather the essential tools you need to make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer: A stand mixer speeds up the mixing process, ensuring all ingredients blend smoothly for the perfect cookie dough.
• Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop allows you to create evenly sized cookie balls, leading to uniform baking.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your batch of 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 (for rolling)

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the following in a bowl:
1. Flour
2. Baking soda
3. Salt
4. Pumpkin pie spice
5. Black pepper

Set aside until needed.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer:
1. Beat butter on medium speed until smooth.
2. Add in brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree.
3. Beat for 2 minutes, scraping down sides as needed.

Step 3: Add Egg

With the mixer running:
1. Add the egg.
2. Beat together for 1 minute until combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Lower the mixer speed:
1. Gradually add in the dry ingredients mixture.
2. Mix until just combined; avoid over-beating.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

The dough will be very soft:
1. Divide it into two pieces.
2. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap.
3. Freeze for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F while dough chills:
– Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Prepare sugar in a small bowl:
1. Take one packet of chilled dough.
2. Divide it into 12 pieces; roll each into a ball using your hands or a cookie scoop.
3. Roll each ball in sugar before placing on prepared sheets.

Step 8: Flatten Cookies

Using the bottom of a glass:
– Press down each cookie ball until they are between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick, leaving about an inch apart on the sheet.

Step 9: Bake

Bake cookies for:
– 12-14 minutes or until tops feel set when touched.

Step 10: Cool

After baking:
– Allow cookies to cool on sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Repeat with your second batch of dough, then enjoy your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Serving Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Whether for a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, these cookies offer delightful versatility.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that enhances the rich flavors of molasses and pumpkin.

As a Dessert Sandwich

• Spread cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a delicious twist.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies with other seasonal treats like apple cider donuts or pecan pie bars.

With Whipped Cream

• Top warm cookies with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Alongside Hot Beverages

• Pair with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa to warm up chilly evenings.

How to Perfect Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies, consider the following tips:

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into measuring cups rather than scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
• Use fresh spices: Fresh pumpkin pie spice enhances the flavor profile significantly.
• Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for perfect results.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep cookies soft and tender.
• Experiment with toppings: Try rolling in different sugars or adding chocolate chips for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies can create a well-rounded treat experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Hot Apple Cider – Warm, spiced apple cider complements the flavors of pumpkin beautifully.
2. Pumpkin Spice Latte – A seasonal favorite that enhances the cozy vibes of your cookie treat.
3. Caramel Dip – Serve with sliced apples for a sweet contrast that balances the cookie’s richness.
4. Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an elegant touch.
5. Roasted Nuts – Spiced nuts add crunch and pair well with the cookie’s chewy texture.
6. Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad provides brightness that offsets the sweetness of the cookies.
7. Ice Cream – Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream creates an indulgent dessert experience.
8. Chocolate Fondue – Dip cookie pieces in melted chocolate for an extra level of decadence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies, it’s easy to make mistakes that can impact the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid for the best cookies.

• Using fresh pumpkin puree: Many people confuse canned and fresh pumpkin. Canned is more consistent in moisture content; fresh may alter texture.
• Skipping the chill time: Don’t skip chilling the dough! This step helps prevent spreading and ensures a chewy texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for perfect softness.
• Ignoring baking time: Check cookies at 12 minutes. They should feel set but still soft; overbaking will make them hard.
• Not using parchment paper: Baking directly on sheets can cause cookies to stick and burn. Parchment paper ensures even baking and easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Layer with parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
• Place wax paper between layers of cookies to keep them from sticking together.

Reheating Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Warm cookies briefly in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies.

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

To enhance softness, consider adding an extra tablespoon of molasses or incorporating more brown sugar into the recipe.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly in this recipe and will still yield delicious Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Cookies are done when they feel set in the center but still look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.

What variations can I try with Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries for extra flavor. Spices like ginger or nutmeg can also provide a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Their warm spices and chewy texture make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize these cookies with your favorite add-ins or spices, ensuring every batch is uniquely yours!