There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a soft, chewy molasses cookie, its rich, dark flavor perfectly complemented by a creamy topping. When I first tried these Molasses Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, it was an instant hit with my family. The combination of the spicy, deep molasses flavor with the smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting was irresistible. Each bite was a delightful mix of textures and flavors, and it quickly became a favorite treat in our household. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or served as a festive dessert, these cookies have a way of bringing warmth and joy to any occasion.
Ingredients
To create these delicious Molasses Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cookies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each one. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies, with each serving containing around 180 calories. Please note that nutritional information can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.
Preparation Time
The total preparation time for this recipe is approximately 45 minutes, which includes both the baking and cooling time. The active time spent mixing and preparing the ingredients is about 20 minutes.
How to Serve
- With Tea or Coffee: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
- As a Dessert: Serve them as a delightful dessert after a cozy dinner.
- At Holiday Gatherings: These cookies make a festive addition to any holiday cookie platter.
- Gift Giving: Pack them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- With Ice Cream: Create a decadent dessert by serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your Molasses Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting turn out perfectly:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Freeze them unfrosted and add the frosting after thawing.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
A: Yes, you can use light brown sugar, but the cookies will have a slightly less intense molasses flavor.
Q: Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These cookies can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and frost them before serving.
Q: What can I do if I don’t have ground cloves?
A: If you don’t have ground cloves, you can substitute with an equal amount of allspice or simply omit it from the recipe.
Q: Can I add nuts or raisins to the cookies?
A: Yes, you can add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor. Just fold them into the dough before baking.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A: The cookies are done when the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked. They should still be soft in the center, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.