Soft Molasses Cookies are a timeless treat, loved for their rich, chewy texture and the warm, cozy flavors of molasses and spices. They’re a staple during the fall and holiday seasons, filling kitchens with comforting aromas that feel like home.
What makes these cookies truly special is not just their taste, but also their irresistibly soft and chewy bite, perfect for when you’re craving a little comfort food.
In this recipe, the classic flavor of molasses is elevated with the addition of tahini. The tahini adds a nutty richness and creamy depth, while the molasses brings its signature sweetness and warmth. Together, they create a unique flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and delightfully unexpected.
Molasses and Tahini
Molasses is the star ingredient in these cookies. It provides a deep, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor. Molasses is a thick, dark syrup made during the sugar-making process. First, the sugar cane is crushed and the juice is extracted. The juice is then boiled to form sugar crystals and removed from the liquid. The thick, brown syrup left after removing the sugar from the juice is molasses.
What is tahini?
Tahini is a thick paste made from ground sesame seeds. It is a staple ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines and is widely used in dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, and various sauces and dressings. Tahini has a rich, nutty flavor and very creamy texture.
How to make this Recipe:
- Mix, scoop, and roll
Preheat oven to 350F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tahini, honey, dark molasses, vanilla, and egg. Next, add the whole wheat flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and sea salt and mix until combined. Use a scooper (or spoon) to scoop large balls and roll them in your hands. They will be very sticky. Spread the brown sugar out on a plate. Roll the cookie dough ball around the plate until it’s completely covered with brown sugar.
- Flatten and place it on a baking sheet
Use your hand to flatten and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use two baking sheets if needed.
- Bake and enjoy!
Bake for 10 – 12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Soft Molasses Cookies – Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, if you don’t have tahini, you can substitute it with:
Almond butter – for a milder nutty flavor.
Peanut butter – stronger flavor, slightly sweeter.
Sunflower seed butter – nut-free alternative.
However, tahini provides a unique sesame flavor that makes these cookies stand out.
They can be healthier than traditional cookies because tahini provides healthy fats, protein, and minerals. However, they still contain sugar and flour, so moderation is key.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Yes, but in a subtle, nutty way. The tahini flavor complements the warm spices (ginger and cinnamon) without overpowering the cookie.
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Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup tahini
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup dark molasses
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cup whole wheat flour (I like to use heritage whole wheat flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the tahini, honey, dark molasses, vanilla, and egg. Next, add the whole wheat flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and sea salt and mix until combined.
- Use a spoon to scoop large balls and roll them in your hands. They will be very sticky.
- Spread the brown sugar out on a plate. Roll the cookie dough ball around the plate until it’s completely covered with brown sugar. Use your hand to flatten and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use two baking sheets if needed.
- Bake for 10 – 12 minutes.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Hi! I’m Irina. Here you’ll find healthy and healthy-ish recipes.
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