Erin french’s molasses cookie recipe is an easy-to-follow recipe that yields soft, chewy cookies bursting with warm, comforting flavors. Molasses cookies are a classic dessert that everyone knows and loves.
They are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just as an indulgent treat for yourself. If you’re looking for a fail-proof, crowd-pleasing recipe, erin french’s molasses cookie recipe is a sure bet. The recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
With just a few easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies that will have everyone coming back for more. We will guide you through the recipe and provide some tips and tricks to ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Credit: butternutbakeryblog.com
Ingredients
Erin French Molasses Cookie Recipe: Ingredients
The list of ingredients needed for the molasses cookie recipe is essential to creating a sublime cookie. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture of the final product. Here are some details about the key ingredients, including tips for selecting high-quality ones.
List Of Ingredients Needed For The Molasses Cookie Recipe:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground ginger
- Ground cloves
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, at room temperature
- Brown sugar
- Large egg
- Molasses
Why Each Ingredient Is Crucial To The Flavor And Texture Of The Cookie:
- All-purpose flour: Creates structure and crumb for the cookie.
- Baking soda: Leavens the cookie and helps it rise while baking.
- Ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves: Imparts a warm, cozy flavor to the cookies.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cookies.
- Brown sugar: Creates a chewy texture and provides deep flavor to the cookies.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Molasses: Adds sweetness and a distinct, delicious flavor to the cookies.
Tips For Selecting High-Quality Ingredients:
- Flour: Look for flour with a high protein content for better structure in the cookie.
- Spices: Freshly ground spices will have better flavor and aroma than pre-ground ones.
- Molasses: Opt for darker molasses for a more robust flavor.
- Eggs: Select eggs that are at room temperature for better incorporation with other ingredients.
- Butter: High-quality unsalted butter will give the cookies better flavor and texture.
- Brown sugar: Light brown sugar will create a softer cookie, while dark brown sugar adds more moisture and flavor.
Directions
Step-By-Step Instructions For Making The Molasses Cookies, Including Mixing And Baking
Making erin french’s molasses cookies is straightforward and takes just a few simple steps. Follow the instructions below to create your own batch of these spicy, chewy, and delicious cookies.
- Preheat your oven to 350°f and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar using an electric hand mixer.
- Then, add egg and molasses, and beat until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix on low until well combined, ensuring not to overmix as this may lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough to firm up and makes it easier to handle.
- Using a small cookie scoop, measure and roll the dough into balls, then roll them in granulated sugar.
- Place the cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet and flatten them with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake the cookies for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and lightly browned.
- Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Key Factors To Keep In Mind When Preparing The Dough And Shaping The Cookies
If you want your erin french molasses cookies to come out perfect every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind while preparing the dough and shaping the cookies:
- Use room temperature butter. Softened butter creamed with sugar produces a light and soft texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can overdevelop gluten, making the cookies tough.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Chilling helps the dough to firm up and makes it easier to manage.
- Use a small cookie scoop to ensure equally sized cookies that bake evenly.
- Rolls the cookies in granulated sugar to give them an extra crunch and sparkle.
- Flatten the dough balls using the bottom of a glass to create a uniform shape and even baking.
- Space the cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to prevent spreading too much.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking as they can quickly go from done to burnt.
- Let the cookies cool after baking before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent them from falling apart.
How To Achieve The Perfect Level Of Softness And Chewiness
Erin french molasses cookies are known for their soft and chewy texture. Here’s how you can achieve the perfect level of softness and chewiness in your cookies:
- Do not overbake the cookies. Overbaking cookies can cause them to become dry and hard.
- Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set and slightly browned. This will ensure that the cookies are baked through but still soft and chewy in the center.
- Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to retain their soft and chewy texture.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of erin french molasses cookies that are soft, chewy, and delicious. Enjoy!
Variations
Tips For Customizing The Recipe
Looking to add some extra spice or pizzaz to erin french’s classic molasses cookie recipe? Here are some tips for customizing it to your taste:
- For a kick of warmth, try adding a dash of nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to the recipe.
- Want to make the cookies even more vibrant? Consider mixing in some colorful sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
- If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try stirring in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
- For an adult twist, add a tablespoon or two of your favorite liqueur to the dough, such as kahlua or baileys irish cream.
- To make your cookies even more festive, use cookie cutters to create shapes that fit the occasion, such as hearts, pumpkins, or snowflakes.
Ideas For Ways To Serve The Cookies
Molasses cookies are a delicious treat on their own, but they can be even more enjoyable when paired with the perfect beverage or dessert. Here are some ideas for ways to serve erin french’s molasses cookies:
- Enjoy a warm cookie fresh out of the oven with a glass of cold milk.
- Dip your cookie in a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
- For a decadent dessert, pair a cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Take your cookie game to the next level with a homemade ice cream sandwich.
- Serve a plate of cookies with a warm spiced apple cider for the ultimate fall-flavored treat.
Common Substitutions For The Ingredients
Don’t have all of the ingredients on hand? No worries! There are some common substitutions you can make that will still yield a delicious molasses cookie. Here are some examples:
- Instead of unsalted butter, use salted butter but omit any additional salt from the recipe.
- Swap out the molasses for honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
- Use an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
- Instead of white granulated sugar, try using brown sugar or coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
- If you don’t have ground ginger on hand, try using a pinch of fresh grated ginger in its place.
- Swap out the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
Faqs
Answers To Common Questions About Making Molasses Cookies
Some of the most common questions people have when it comes to making erin french’s molasses cookies are about storage and baking time. Here are some helpful answers to make your baking experience go smoothly:
- How do i store the cookies once i’ve baked them?
Once the cookies have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. Store the container in a cool, dry place at room temperature. If stored properly, the cookies can last up to a week.
- Can i freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! After mixing the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw completely in the fridge before shaping it into cookies.
- How long should i bake the cookies for?
This depends on your oven and the size of your cookie dough balls. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
Troubleshooting Tips For Common Issues
Even the most experienced bakers can run into issues with their molasses cookies. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you get the perfect cookie every time:
- My cookies are spreading too much. What can i do?
This usually happens when the dough is too warm. Try chilling the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping it into balls and baking.
- My cookies are too hard. Can i fix this?
Overbaking can result in hard cookies. Decrease your baking time by a minute or two and check the cookies regularly to make sure they don’t overbake.
- My cookies are too dry. What did i do wrong?
Dry cookies are often a result of too much flour in the dough. Make sure you’re measuring accurately and not adding too much flour.
Adapting The Recipe For Dietary Restrictions
If you have dietary restrictions, you can still enjoy these delicious molasses cookies by making a few simple adjustments. Here are some ideas:
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your baking soda and spices are gluten-free as well.
- Vegan option: Swap the butter for a vegan margarine or coconut oil, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) in place of the egg.
- Low-sugar option: Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by using a sugar substitute or reducing the amount of molasses.
Making erin french’s molasses cookies is a fun and tasty way to enjoy a classic cookie. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make delicious cookies that everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions For Erin French Molasses Cookie Recipe
What Are The Ingredients For Erin French Molasses Cookie Recipe?
Erin french molasses cookie recipe requires butter, flour, spices, brown sugar, and molasses.
How Long Do I Need To Bake These Cookies?
It takes approximately 10-12 minutes to bake erin french molasses cookies.
Can I Substitute Any Ingredients In Erin French Molasses Cookie Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute some ingredients with alternatives such as gluten-free flour, coconut oil, and honey.
What Is The Nutritional Value For Erin French Molasses Cookies?
One serving of erin french molasses cookies contains approximately 120 calories, 5g of fat, 18g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein.
Can I Freeze The Dough For Later Use?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it thaw before baking.
Is Erin French Molasses Cookie Recipe Suitable For Vegans?
Unfortunately, erin french molasses cookie recipe is not vegan-friendly due to the use of butter in the recipe.
What Makes Erin French Molasses Cookies Special?
Erin french molasses cookies have a unique combination of spices that give them a warm, comforting taste which makes them perfect for the holiday season.
Conclusion
The delicious erin french molasses cookie recipe provided in this post is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. These cookies are easy to make, and the ingredients are readily available in most stores. The recipe’s step-by-step directions and tips provided will help you bake perfect cookies every time.
The use of molasses gives them a rich, deep flavor that will leave you wanting more. With the holidays right around the corner, this recipe is the perfect addition to your baking list. Not only are these cookies delicious, but they also make for a thoughtful and tasty gift for family and friends.
So why not give this recipe a try and impress your loved ones with your baking skills. Happy baking!