Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn in each bite. These cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying at home with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Their rich flavors and soft texture make them a favorite among cookie lovers of all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and molasses creates a warm, inviting taste that screams fall.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy the soft and chewy consistency that makes these cookies irresistible.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, snacks, or festive occasions. They can be enjoyed any time of the year!
• Customizable: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for an extra twist on flavor and texture.

Tools and Preparation

To make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure your baking goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes it easy to beat butter and sugar together until creamy without tiring your arms.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry ingredients separately before mixing with wet ingredients.
• Baking sheets: Provides a flat surface for even baking of the cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of cookies from the baking sheet.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients 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 the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add in the brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree. Beat everything together for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer instead.

Step 3: Add Egg

Incorporate the egg into your mixture by beating it in for one minute until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add in your dry ingredient mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to remain soft.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide your dough into two halves. Wrap each half in plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for at least one hour to make it easier to handle later.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper while waiting for your dough to chill.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Put some sugar in a small bowl. Take one packet of chilled dough at a time, divide it into 12 pieces, and roll each piece into a ball using your hands or a cookie scoop for even sizes.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Roll each dough ball in sugar before placing them on the prepared cookie sheets. Use the bottom of a glass to press down gently on each cookie ball until they are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Ensure they are spaced about an inch apart.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake your cookies for about 12-14 minutes or until they feel set on top when touched lightly.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for around five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 11: Repeat with Second Batch

Repeat steps with your second batch of dough if you have any left!

Step 12: Enjoy!

Serve these delightful Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies warm from the oven or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are delightful on their own, but they can also be enhanced with a few creative serving ideas. Here are some great ways to enjoy these cookies.

Pair with a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the spices in the cookies.
• Tea: A warm cup of chai or herbal tea pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
• Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a cozy treat by enjoying them alongside a creamy hot chocolate.

Add a Sweet Dip

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a bit of cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Drizzle maple syrup for a sweet and sticky addition.

Serve with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing adds creaminess that balances the spices.
• Pumpkin Ice Cream: For pumpkin lovers, this combo is a seasonal delight!

How to Perfect Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

To ensure your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies come out just right, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill makes it easier to handle and results in a better texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• Measure Precisely: Use measuring cups for dry ingredients to maintain the right balance of flavors.
• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices enhance the flavor profile, making your cookies more aromatic.
• Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your cookies at 12 minutes to prevent overbaking.

Best Side Dishes for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

When it comes to enjoying Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies, certain side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options.

1. Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices add a crisp contrast to the soft texture of cookies.
2. Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory balance to the sweetness of cookies.
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce offers an indulgent touch that pairs well with pumpkin flavors.
4. Nuts and Dried Fruits: A mix of nuts and dried fruits adds crunch and complexity to each bite.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a refreshing side that complements dessert.
6. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts bring warmth and crunch, enhancing your cookie experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few to keep in mind.

• Using warm butter – Using melted or warm butter can lead to cookies spreading too much. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the right texture.
• Not chilling the dough – Skipping the chilling step can result in flat cookies. Chill your dough as instructed to help maintain shape and texture.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can create tough cookies instead of soft ones. Mix just until combined to keep them chewy.
• Ignoring baking times – Baking for too long can dry out your cookies. Keep an eye on them, and remove them when the tops feel set but are still soft.
• Incorrectly measuring flour – Packing flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave – Warm each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until they’re just soft.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies so special?

These cookies combine pumpkin puree with molasses, giving them a unique flavor that’s perfect for fall.

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree?

Yes! Fresh pumpkin puree works well, just make sure it’s not too watery.

How do I customize my Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.

Why did my cookies turn out flat?

Flat cookies often result from warm butter or skipping the chilling step. Make sure to follow the instructions closely.

Final Thoughts

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn. Their warm spices and chewy texture make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins like chocolate or nuts!