Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are the perfect treat to bring the flavors of autumn into your home. With their warm spice notes and delightful chewiness, these cookies are great for gatherings, cozy nights in, or just a sweet indulgence. You’ll find that they are simple to make and sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Autumn Flavors: Experience the rich taste of pumpkin and warm spices that evoke the essence of fall.
• Easy to Make: This cookie recipe is straightforward, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Chewy Texture: Enjoy the perfect balance of softness and chewiness with every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: These cookies are ideal for dessert tables, lunchboxes, or as an afternoon snack.
• Customizable: Add chocolate chips or nuts for an extra twist if you prefer!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and enhance your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools help achieve a creamy butter mixture quickly and easily.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for keeping your ingredients organized while mixing.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to baking sheets, ensuring easy removal after baking.

Ingredients

To create these Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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 Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper—in a bowl. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the room temperature butter on medium speed until smooth. Then add in the packed brown sugar, molasses, and pumpkin puree. Beat this mixture for about two minutes while scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Egg

Once combined well, add in the large egg. Beat everything together for about one minute until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Reduce the speed to low on your mixer. Gradually add in the dry ingredients you set aside earlier. Mix just until incorporated—be careful not to overbeat. The dough will be very soft.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide your dough in half. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and chill it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate it for at least an hour. Chilling helps manage stickiness when handling the dough.

Step 6: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

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

Step 7: Shape Cookies

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 uniformity. Roll each ball in sugar before placing them on prepared cookie sheets about an inch apart.

Step 8: Flatten Cookies

Use the bottom of a glass to gently press down on each cookie ball until they are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.

Step 9: Bake

Bake cookies in preheated oven for about 12–14 minutes or until their tops feel set when touched lightly.

Step 10: Cool

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

Step 11: Repeat

Repeat this process with your second batch of dough until all cookies are baked.

Step 12: Enjoy

Enjoy your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies warm right out of the oven!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, here are some delightful ways to serve them.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee or Tea: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea for a comforting treat.
• Hot Chocolate: The richness of hot chocolate complements the spices in the cookies beautifully.

As Dessert Platters

• Cookie Platter: Arrange your cookies on a decorative platter alongside other fall-themed treats for an inviting dessert display.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

For Special Occasions

• Thanksgiving Treats: Serve these cookies as part of your Thanksgiving dessert spread to add a festive touch.
• Halloween Goodies: Package them in themed bags for trick-or-treaters or as gifts during Halloween parties.

How to Perfect Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

To ensure that your Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps achieve that chewy texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pumpkin puree and spices enhance the flavor significantly. Always check expiration dates.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be set but still soft when you take them out.
• Store Properly: Once cooled, store cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness and chewiness.

Best Side Dishes for Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

If you’re looking for sides that pair well with your delicious cookies, consider these options. Each adds a unique flavor profile to complement the sweetness of the cookies.

1. Apple Cider Donuts: These sweet donuts bring a festive flavor, perfect for fall gatherings.
2. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup balances out the sweetness of the cookies with its savory notes.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or creamy brie, enhances the cookie experience beautifully.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy contrast and nutty flavor that pairs well with pumpkin treats.
5. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and brightness, making it a refreshing side option.
6. Caramel Dip with Apple Slices: The sweetness of caramel complements both apples and cookies wonderfully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make errors when baking cookies. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Using Fresh Ingredients: Old or expired ingredients can affect the texture and flavor. Always check the dates on your flour, baking soda, and spices.

• Not Measuring Accurately: Baking is a science, requiring precise measurements. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar, and liquid measuring cups for pumpkin puree and molasses.

• Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Don’t skip this step; it helps prevent spreading during baking.

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep them soft and chewy.

• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature for baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• 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 to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until soft.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I substitute pumpkin puree?

Yes! You can use homemade pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin as a direct substitute.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour.

What makes these cookies soft and chewy?

The combination of pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and proper mixing techniques keeps these cookies soft and chewy.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

These Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies are perfect for autumn gatherings or as a cozy treat at home. They are versatile; you can customize them with nuts or chocolate chips based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors in every bite!