Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. These cookies are perfect for gatherings, cozy nights at home, or as a sweet pick-me-up during the day. With their soft texture and rich flavor from pumpkin and molasses, they are sure to be a favorite among family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The blend of pumpkin puree and molasses creates a uniquely rich flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: This recipe involves straightforward steps, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon snack, these cookies are versatile enough to brighten any occasion.
• Chewy Texture: The combination of ingredients yields a soft and chewy cookie that stays fresh longer, making them great for sharing.
• Freezing Option: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it, making it easy to bake whenever you’re craving something sweet.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools beforehand. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating these delicious cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort when mixing your ingredients thoroughly. It ensures a smooth batter consistently.
• Baking sheets: Using quality baking sheets helps distribute heat evenly, giving you perfectly baked cookies every time.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base

• 2 1/3 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the 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 the Cookies

• 1/2 cup sugar (for rolling)

How to Make Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper in a bowl. Set this mixture aside to combine with the wet ingredients later.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In your stand mixer with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add in the brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree. Beat this mixture for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 3: Combine with Egg

Add the egg to your wet mixture. Beat together for approximately 1 minute until well incorporated.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add in your reserved dry ingredients from Step 1. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix as this can affect the texture.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

The dough will be very soft; divide it in half. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for at least an hour to make handling easier.

Step 6: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so cookies won’t stick while baking.

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Place sugar in a small bowl. Take one packet of chilled dough at a time; divide it into 12 pieces and roll each into a ball. Roll these balls in sugar before placing them on your prepared cookie sheets.

Step 8: Flatten Cookies

Use the bottom of a glass to gently press down on each cookie ball until they are between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch thick. Space them about an inch apart on the baking sheets.

Step 9: Bake Your Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes or until tops feel set to touch.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Remove from oven and let cookies cool on sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Repeat with any remaining dough packs if applicable, then enjoy your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies warm right out of the oven!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them at home or sharing with friends, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that balances the sweetness of the molasses and pumpkin.

Warm with Whipped Cream

• Serve warm cookies topped with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat that feels like dessert in a cup.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy your cookies alongside a hot beverage like coffee or tea. The spices in the cookies complement the flavors of your drink beautifully.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies on a dessert platter with other seasonal treats for a charming fall-inspired display.

With Nut Butter Spread

• Spread almond or cashew butter on each cookie for an extra layer of flavor and texture, making it a hearty snack option.

How to Perfect Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

To ensure your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for longer helps reduce stickiness, making it easier to handle when forming into balls.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pumpkin puree and spices can elevate the flavor. Check expiration dates on all ingredients before use.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
• Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary; check cookies around the 12-minute mark. They should feel set but still soft when removed from the oven.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their softness.

Best Side Dishes for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

These cookies are versatile and pair well with various side dishes. Here’s a list of delightful options to serve alongside your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies.

1. Fruit Salad
   A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies, making for a balanced treat.
2. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses can enhance the sweetness of the cookies while adding savory notes. Consider soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
3. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits for a nutritious side that complements the sweetness of your cookies.
4. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of pumpkin soup is seasonal and delicious, offering another way to enjoy pumpkin flavors together.
5. Candied Nuts
   Sweetened nuts add crunch and depth, making them an excellent crunchy counterpart to your soft cookies.
6. Roasted Vegetables
   A side of roasted vegetables adds savory balance while keeping with autumn themes, enhancing your overall meal 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 watch out for:

• Incorrect measuring of flour: Too much or too little flour can lead to dense cookies. Always use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can result in spread-out cookies. Make sure to chill for at least 30 minutes for better texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long after adding dry ingredients can toughen your cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft and chewy result.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an improperly heated oven can affect cookie texture. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
• Baking on an ungreased sheet: Using an ungreased or unlined baking sheet may lead to sticking. Use parchment paper for easy removal and perfect results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 1 week when stored properly.

Freezing Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

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

Reheating Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

The tops should feel set to the touch, and edges might look slightly golden but not browned.

Are Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze well, allowing you to enjoy them later.

What can I add to customize my Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies capture the essence of fall in every bite. Their delightful combination of spices and pumpkin makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!