🍪 Virginia’s Molasses Cookies: A 100-Year-Old Recipe That Still Steals Hearts
Some recipes aren’t just delicious—they’re pieces of history. They connect generations, carry the scents of childhood kitchens, and remind us of the simple joys of baking from scratch. Virginia’s Molasses Cookies are exactly that kind of recipe.
Handed down for over a century, this old-fashioned cookie recipe comes from a time when ingredients were simple, baking was done by feel, and every bite told a story. Soft, chewy, warmly spiced, and rich with the deep sweetness of molasses, these cookies are timeless—and still just as beloved today as they were 100 years ago.
🧡 A Taste of the Past
Virginia, the original baker behind this treasured recipe, likely didn’t bake with measuring spoons or timers. She baked by memory and instinct, using the ingredients she had on hand—and a whole lot of love. Her molasses cookies were a household favorite, often baked for church socials, holidays, or just to warm the kitchen on a chilly day.
These cookies are a beautiful reminder that simple, honest baking never goes out of style.
🍂 What Makes These Molasses Cookies Special?
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Soft and chewy with perfectly crisp edges
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Spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and clove for that old-fashioned flavor
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Sweetened with rich molasses—no corn syrup here
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Made with pantry staples just like they were a century ago
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Perfect for gifting, dunking in tea, or enjoying warm from the oven
🍪 Virginia’s 100-Year-Old Molasses Cookies – Recipe
Ingredients:
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¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
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1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
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1 large egg
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¼ cup unsulfured molasses
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon ground ginger
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½ teaspoon ground cloves
👩🍳 Instructions:
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Cream the butter and sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. -
Add the wet ingredients:
Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined. -
Mix the dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. -
Combine and chill:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to let the flavors deepen. -
Preheat and prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. -
Shape and roll:
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat each ball in granulated sugar. Place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. -
Bake:
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crackled. Let cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. -
Cool and enjoy:
Serve warm or store in an airtight container. These cookies stay soft and chewy for days—and the flavor only gets better with time.
📝 Tips from a Century of Bakers:
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Chill the dough for richer flavor and easier handling.
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For a twist, add a pinch of black pepper for a little bite—it’s a secret touch in some older recipes.
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Want extra soft cookies? Add a tablespoon of sour cream to the dough.
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Bake a double batch. These freeze beautifully!
🕰️ A Cookie That Stands the Test of Time
Virginia’s Molasses Cookies aren’t just a treat—they’re a legacy. Passed down through kitchens filled with laughter, flour-dusted aprons, and the warm scent of spices, this recipe is proof that the simplest things can carry the most meaning.
Whether you're baking them for the holidays, sharing with friends, or starting your own family tradition, these cookies will always feel like home.
Final Thoughts
In a world full of new trends and complicated recipes, Virginia’s 100-Year-Old Molasses Cookies are a gentle reminder that some of the best things never change. With each bite, you're tasting history, tradition, and the kind of love that’s baked right in.
So tie on your apron, warm up the oven, and keep this beautiful tradition going. Virginia would be proud.
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