Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies

Molasses Cookies

Four old-fashioned molasses cookie recipes in one place: classic drop cookies, spiced molasses cookies, hearty molasses oatmeal cookies, and crackly ginger crinkles rolled in sugar. All are quick to mix, fast to bake, and full of warm molasses-and-spice flavor.

Recipes on this page

✨ Jump directly to a classic recipe:

🍪 Molasses Drop Cookies

Hearty, generous drop cookies with a bold molasses and ginger profile. Optional bacon grease adds a traditional savory depth.

🔥 Oven: 350°F

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar, 2 cups molasses
  • 1 egg, 1 tbsp baking soda
  • 1 cup melted shortening (or bacon grease)
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 tbsp ground ginger, 5 ½ cups flour

Instructions

  1. Dissolve soda in hot water. Mix sugar, molasses, egg, shortening/grease, and soda-water.
  2. Stir in ginger; add flour gradually. Drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet.
  3. Bake 8–10 mins at 350°F. Cool 2 mins, then transfer to a rack.

🍪 Classic Molasses Cookies

A perfectly spiced, classic cookie featuring warm notes of cinnamon and ginger.

🔥 Oven: 375°F

Ingredients

  • ½ cup shortening, ½ cup sugar
  • 1 egg, ½ cup molasses, ¼ cup water
  • 2 ¼ cups flour, 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ginger, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and sugar. Beat in egg, then molasses.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients; add to wet mixture, alternating with water.
  3. Drop by tablespoon onto ungreased sheet. Bake 8–10 mins at 375°F.

🍪 Molasses Oatmeal Cookies

Chewy and substantial, these oatmeal cookies are enriched with molasses for a deeper, earthier flavor.

🔥 Oven: 350°F

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar, ¾ cup shortening
  • 2 cups oatmeal, 3 cups flour
  • 1 cup molasses, 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp vanilla, ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Cream sugar and shortening. Beat in eggs, molasses, and vanilla.
  2. Mix in dry ingredients, then stir in oatmeal.
  3. Drop by spoonfuls. Bake 8–10 mins at 350°F until edges set.

🍪 Ginger Crinkles

Classic, sugar-coated ginger cookies with a beautiful, crackled top.

🔥 Oven: 350°F

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar, ⅔ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg, ¼ cup molasses
  • 2 cups sifted flour, 1 ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ginger
  • Granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar, oil, egg, and molasses. Stir in dry ingredients.
  2. Chill 1 hour. Form 1-inch balls, roll in sugar, place on sheet.
  3. Bake 8–10 mins at 350°F. Cool before moving.

Molasses Cookies FAQ

What kind of molasses is best for molasses cookies?

Unsulphured molasses is the most common choice for baking and gives a classic, rich flavor.

How do I keep molasses cookies soft and chewy?

Don’t overbake—pull them when the tops look set and edges are just firm. Store airtight; a slice of bread in the container can help maintain softness.

Why chill ginger crinkle cookie dough?

Chilling firms the dough so it’s easier to roll and helps prevent excess spreading during baking.

Can I freeze molasses cookie dough?

Yes. Portion into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen with 1–2 extra minutes as needed.

Can bacon grease replace shortening in cookies?

Some vintage recipes use it for flavor. If you try it, use fresh, strained bacon fat and keep it refrigerated; expect a slightly savory note.

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