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    Home / Recipes / Course / Dessert

    3 Dec 19, 2011 Cookie  |   Jump to Recipe

    Spiced Molasses Cookies with Creamy Vanilla Frosting [Giveaway]

    Spiced Molasses Cookies

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Dark, rich, gooey spiced cookies topped with sweet, creamy vanilla frosting.  In regards to molasses cookies, it really can’t get much better than this.  Spiked with cinnamon, clove, ginger and allspice, these cookies get their deep, dark color and flavor from a 1/2 cup of unsulphered molasses.  I just love the way the molasses pours from the measuring cup into the mixing bowl.  A slow stream of seemingly molten deliciousness.  These cookies are just one of the many that can be found in Stacy Adimando’s Cookiepedia.  Offering a wide range of recipes, The Cookiepedia is a great resource for beginners and seasoned cookie bakers.  What I really love about the book is that it provides variations for each cookie recipe.  Spreading a thin layer of creamy vanilla frosting on these classic molasses cookies elevates them from yum to o.m.g. yum.  I’m giving away 5 copies of The Cookiepedia below.  Continue reading for the recipe and giveaway deets.

    Flour

    Quirk Books has graciously given me 5 copies of The Cookiepedia to give away to Kitchen Konfidence readers!  To enter you can do one or all of the following:

    1.  Leave me a comment below sharing your favorite Holiday cookie.

    2.  Like Kitchen Konfidence on Facebook. [leave a separate comment below for entry]

    3.  Subscribe to the Kitchen Konfidence recipe digest. [leave a separate comment below for entry]

    I will be collecting entries until 11:59pm on December 23.  Winners will be selected and announced shortly after.  For US residents only.  Good luck!  Continue on for the recipe.

    Spiced Molasses Cookie Dough

    PS. I got this fun red tin at west elm.  A perfect way to package up my Holiday cookies!

    Spiced Molasses Cookies

    Spiced Molasses Cookies

    Spiced Molasses Cookies with Creamy Vanilla Frosting

    by Brandon Matzek
    Adapted from here.
    4 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings 3 dozen

    Ingredients
      

    For the cookies:

    • 2 1/3 cup flour
    • 2 teaspoons baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, preferably freshly ground
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice, preferably freshly ground
    • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
    • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
    • 1/2 cup white sugar
    • 1 egg
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 cup dark unsulphured molasses
    • Turbinado sugar, for rolling

    For the frosting:

    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 1/4 cup heavy cream
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • Sift together flour, baking soda, sea salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and allspice in a medium bowl.
    • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter, dark brown sugar and white sugar (beat on medium for several minutes until fluffy). Add egg and vanilla extract, beating until well incorporated. Add molasses and beat until combined.
    • To the wet ingredients, add the dry ingredients (flour and spice mixture) in three additions. With each addition, only beat until just incorporated. Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Cover dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
    • Preheat oven to 325°F and place a rack in the center of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat. Using a spoon, scoop approximately 1 teaspoon of dough then roll the dough in your hands to form a ball. Roll each dough ball in the turbinado sugar (coating evenly) then place on the lined baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
    • Bake for 12 - 14 minutes. If you want a softer, chewier cookie, I would recommend pulling them out around the 12 minute mark. If you want a crispier, crunchier cookie, take them out around minute 13 or 14. Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet then transfer to a cooling rack.
    • To make the frosting, combine powdered sugar, heavy cream and vanilla extract in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium until smooth and creamy.
    • To serve at a Holiday party, set up a cookie station with plates of Spiced Molasses Cookies and a small bowl of the Creamy Vanilla Frosting. Guests can enjoy the cookies unadorned or spoon frosting over top.
    Tried this recipe?Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can check it out!
    3
    Brandon and Federico
    Brandon

    I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!

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    Categories: Cookie Tags: allspice, baking soda, butter, cinnamon, clove, dark brown sugar, flour, ginger, heavy cream, molasses, sea salt, sugar, vanilla

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ann P says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:24 pm

      My favorite holiday cookie has to be molasses cookies, and no, I’m not just saying that! I think the warm flavors are perfect for Christmas 🙂

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        December 24, 2011 at 4:09 pm

        Haha thanks Ann! I totally agree.

        Reply
    2. Ann P says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:24 pm

      I liked your fb page 🙂

      Reply
    3. Ann P says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:25 pm

      I also subscribe to your recipe feed, too!

      Reply
    4. Rachel says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:36 pm

      Oh, I think these might be my new favorite cookies, although perhaps I should wait to try them first! My current favorites are a snappy ginger cookie I make and top with sea salt.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        December 24, 2011 at 4:10 pm

        Interesting. I make a triple ginger cookie, but never thought to add sea salt on top. I’ll have to give it a try!

        Reply
    5. Rachel says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:36 pm

      I like you facebook.

      Reply
    6. Rachel says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:37 pm

      I subscribe to your recipes.

      Reply
    7. TJ says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:46 pm

      Russian Teacakes

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        December 24, 2011 at 4:12 pm

        Mmmm, I love Russian Teacakes. So buttery and sugary!

        Reply
    8. Evan Thomas says

      December 20, 2011 at 12:51 am

      My favorite holiday cookie is Italian Christmas Cookies flavored with anise extract and given a powdered sugar glaze.
      These remind me of the chewy molasses cookies my grandmother in law used to make. I love a spicy cookie that packs a flavor punch.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        December 24, 2011 at 4:15 pm

        Growing up in an Italian family, I used to have Italian Christmas Cookies every year. However, I haven’t had once since moving to San Diego. Thanks for reminding me 🙂 I’ll need to make some soon.

        Reply
    9. Matthew Day says

      December 20, 2011 at 3:13 am

      I might say these are my favorite because they sound amazing! I have to make them first. For now, though, I’ll just stick with the traditional gingerbread 🙂 Keep cooking and making wonderful things for us to try! Until we cook in person, I’ll be following on here, Facebook, and Twitter. Merry Christmas!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        December 24, 2011 at 4:15 pm

        Thanks Matt!

        Reply
    10. Matthew Day says

      December 20, 2011 at 3:14 am

      I’ve also subscribed on Twitter, liked on Facebook and am signing up for email!

      Reply
    11. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:44 pm

      I like you on FB

      Reply
    12. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:45 pm

      and these cookies…oh, perfection!

      I love molasses, chewy, rich cookies…and that frosting. I wouldn’t even need to “use” it on cookies; just a spoon and that bowl would do 🙂

      My fave holiday cookies ARE gingerbread or molasses.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        December 24, 2011 at 4:11 pm

        When I first went in for a taste of the frosting, I was like… o.m.g. Then proceeded to “taste” another five times. I like gingerbread as well.

        Reply
    13. Missy says

      December 20, 2011 at 3:03 pm

      My favorite are my grandma’s ginger snaps. Instead of shaping them before you bake, you cook them in logs and then use a pizza cutter to cut them into strips as soon as you take them out of the oven. Super easy, super tasty. Out of the 8 cookies I did for the holidays, they were everyone’s favorites again 🙂

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        December 24, 2011 at 4:17 pm

        Interesting! I’ve never thought to make ginger snaps like that. Almost like a biscotti!

        Reply
    14. David Taboada says

      December 20, 2011 at 5:07 pm

      I have to agree with Ana P. These Molasses Spice cookies have taken the place of my favorite Ginger Pecan Snaps. I’m not usually very fond of Molasses but the way each spiced bite pops with a sugar layer crunch is too much to resist…. and I’m not just saying that 😉

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        December 24, 2011 at 4:18 pm

        Haha, thanks David 🙂 Glad you enjoyed. But hold up… Ginger Pecan Snaps?! Sounds delicious!

        Reply
    15. Julie @ Sugarfoot Eats says

      December 20, 2011 at 5:40 pm

      My fave Christmas cookie is the classic peanut cookie with the Hershey’s Kiss on top.

      Reply
    16. Steph@stephsbitebybite says

      December 20, 2011 at 5:43 pm

      Cookies with frosting! Yes please!!!

      Reply
    17. Emma says

      December 20, 2011 at 6:13 pm

      I just made a batch of my favorite cookies that my mom always made growing up. They’re Lace Cookies from Libby Hillman’s book “Lessons in Gourmet Cooking” (sadly out of print). I can’t wait to take a crack at the Rugelah recipe – the same recipe that my goyisha relatives have been requesting from my mother at the family Christmas party for the past 25 years – go figure!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        December 24, 2011 at 4:27 pm

        I’m glad you are learning and carrying on your family’s cookie traditions. I think that’s very important!

        Reply
    18. Anna says

      December 20, 2011 at 6:21 pm

      Our fav is a chocolate crinkle cookies.

      Reply
    19. Karen Hughes says

      December 20, 2011 at 6:29 pm

      4 stars
      My favorite Christmas cookie is probably gingerbread cookies, although molasses comes in very close! I love them both.

      Reply
    20. Jack Odell says

      December 20, 2011 at 6:40 pm

      I enjoy your Blog!!
      Please enter me in your giveaway. Happy Holidays.

      Reply
    21. Schmidty says

      December 20, 2011 at 7:16 pm

      Snickerdoodles!

      Reply
    22. Schmidty says

      December 20, 2011 at 7:17 pm

      I am one of your facebook fans (Rust Hawk).

      Reply
    23. Schmidty says

      December 20, 2011 at 7:20 pm

      I am a subscriber.

      Reply
    24. Elaina says

      December 20, 2011 at 8:23 pm

      Mmm those look amazing with the melted icing!

      Reply
    25. Beth S says

      December 20, 2011 at 8:54 pm

      I have a long-time friend who is a master baker, and every Christmas she sends me a variety of cookies that she makes and packages up for the holidays. They’re wonderful — probably because they’re full of love!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        December 24, 2011 at 4:28 pm

        Lucky you :)!

        Reply
    26. Anna says

      December 20, 2011 at 8:58 pm

      My fav cookie is chocolate crinkle!

      Reply
    27. Anna says

      December 20, 2011 at 8:59 pm

      I like you on FB.

      Reply
    28. Anna says

      December 20, 2011 at 9:00 pm

      Subscribed to KK!

      Reply
    29. Gerry @Foodness Gracious says

      December 20, 2011 at 9:00 pm

      I also love molasses or treacle as I’m used to calling it. I recently made some molasses cookies too and used the extra for some gingerbread! Two of my favorites..
      Take care…

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        December 24, 2011 at 4:31 pm

        Hehe the word treacle reminds me of Harry Potter! Treacle Tarts 🙂

        Reply
    30. Gerry @Foodness Gracious says

      December 20, 2011 at 9:01 pm

      I follow you on FB!

      Reply
    31. Tanya says

      December 20, 2011 at 9:04 pm

      My favorite are rugelachs with cherry jam, cinnamon sugar, walnuts and mini choco chips.

      Reply
    32. Tanya says

      December 20, 2011 at 9:13 pm

      Already like ya on FB….

      Reply
    33. Tanya says

      December 20, 2011 at 9:19 pm

      And, I am a subscriber….

      Reply
    34. Bryan says

      December 20, 2011 at 9:22 pm

      This year I made a standard gingerbread cookie but substituted pomegranate molasses for regular molasses since it was all I had on hand. It came out really great – it starts with a gingerbread flavor but ends with a really sweet pomegranate flavor that lingers. It’s definitely a weird cookie but strangely addictive!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        December 24, 2011 at 4:32 pm

        Very interesting idea! I love pomegranate molasses, so I’m thinking I need to give that a try.

        Reply
    35. Cindy B. says

      December 20, 2011 at 10:24 pm

      My favorite Holiday cookie is Oatmeal-Craisin with White Chocolate Drizzle!

      Reply
    36. Cindy B. says

      December 20, 2011 at 10:25 pm

      I like Kitchen Konfidence on Facebook.

      Reply
    37. Cindy B. says

      December 20, 2011 at 10:26 pm

      I subscribe to the Kitchen Konfidence.

      Reply
    38. Crystal Lynn says

      December 21, 2011 at 12:20 am

      I already like you on Facebook, and subscribed to your recipe feed!

      Reply
    39. HRM says

      December 21, 2011 at 4:52 am

      My Gran’s toffee squares

      Reply
    40. WanderChow says

      December 20, 2011 at 8:58 pm

      I’m really liking the northern European cookies these days. German Spice Cookies are one of my favorites, and anything Swedish. Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        December 24, 2011 at 4:30 pm

        Interesting! I had some delicious cookies during my time spend in Germany, but I’m not familiar with Swedish cookies. What is a typical Swedish cookie?

        Reply
    41. Courtney says

      December 21, 2011 at 6:06 am

      These look delicious…and who couldn’t use a Cookiepedia?

      Reply
    42. Joey says

      December 21, 2011 at 8:13 pm

      Good O’l fashioned sugar cookies!

      Reply
    43. Joey says

      December 21, 2011 at 8:15 pm

      i like you on facebook.

      Reply
    44. Joey says

      December 21, 2011 at 8:16 pm

      i subscribe to your e-mails.

      Reply
    45. Tracey says

      December 21, 2011 at 9:16 pm

      These look amazing. I’m bookmarking and will be trying the recipe soon! It’s so hard to pick my absolute favorite holiday cookie. There is a Ginger Spice one that I make every year; it’s soft and chewy and intensely flavored with lots of spices as well as crystallized ginger. But beautifully decorated sugar cookies are super festive and the holidays are about the only time when I’ll stop and spend the time to do this. And then if you ask my son, he’ll tell you that his favorite are these Caramel Cracker bars. They have layers of club crackers, caramel, and a chocolate mixture that also has peanut butter and butterscotch in it (sounds gross, but it all works and they are delicious).

      Reply
    46. Eliot says

      December 22, 2011 at 12:57 am

      I love most all holiday cookies but I am posting a favorite ginger snap recipe on Christmas Eve. I love the addition of the vanilla icing to yours!

      Reply
    47. RoChele says

      December 22, 2011 at 2:05 am

      My favorite holiday cookies to make are star-shaped sugar cookies. If you use different sizes and stack them just right, they make a holiday tree!

      Reply
    48. RoChele says

      December 22, 2011 at 2:06 am

      Became a fan of Kitchen Konfidence on FB. 🙂

      Reply
    49. Julie in Edmonds says

      December 23, 2011 at 6:14 pm

      Mmmmm…those looks scrumptious! My favorite holiday cookie is Mexican Wedding Cakes.

      Reply
    50. Koharu says

      December 23, 2011 at 10:35 pm

      I love anything gingerbready! I will have to try this.

      I also love buttery shortbread, especially with really dark chocolate studs and a hint of lemon. Oh, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

      Reply
    51. Koharu says

      December 23, 2011 at 10:36 pm

      And I liked you on FB!

      Reply
    52. Johannah B says

      December 24, 2011 at 2:57 am

      We love Sugar cookies….esp. decorated ones.

      Reply
    53. Johannah B says

      December 24, 2011 at 2:58 am

      Liked U on Facebook
      Facebook name: Johannah Brookwell
      1prizewinner at gmail dot com

      Reply
    54. Teresa Young says

      December 24, 2011 at 3:03 am

      My favorite Christmas cookies are gingerbread.
      tmyoung at rochester dot rr dot com

      Reply
    55. Luke says

      December 16, 2014 at 7:19 am

      Sweetopilla had a (since removed) ginger molasses cookie that is simply amazing!

      Reply
    56. adriana says

      December 17, 2014 at 3:41 pm

      These look delicious!! As for favorite holiday cookie, it is hard to go wrong with classic chocolate chip cookies. Although this time of year a good gingerbread cookie also makes a delicious treat.

      Reply
    4 from 1 vote

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    Brandon and Federico

    I'm Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Read More…


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