Irresistible Dark Chocolate Molasses Cookies: Your Ultimate Guide to a Holiday Favorite
Welcome to a truly special time of year on the blog – it’s peak cookie season! Today, we’re diving into one of my absolute favorite holiday traditions: a special edition of Freaky Friday. If you’re looking for that perfect blend of rich, deep flavor and wonderfully soft texture, these Dark Chocolate Molasses Cookies are an absolute must-try. Whether you roll them in crunchy hazelnuts for a sophisticated touch or fun sprinkles for festive flair, prepare to fall in love with these delightful treats.
For those unfamiliar with the magic, Freaky Friday is an exciting blog hop that I host with some of my dearest blogger friends. We gather once each season, but the holiday edition is truly something special. This particular event centers entirely around festive treats – think everything from delectable cookies and chewy bars to tempting candies perfect for a holiday platter or an eagerly anticipated cookie exchange with friends and family. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to explore new recipes and for you, our amazing readers, to discover new culinary voices.
The premise is simple yet thrilling: each participating blogger is secretly assigned another’s blog to bake from. On reveal day, we all post our chosen recipe simultaneously, sharing our experience and introducing our assigned blogger to our audience. It’s a fantastic way for us to step out of our comfort zones, try a new recipe, and expand our culinary horizons. For you, it’s an incredible chance to meet some genuinely talented food bloggers you might not have encountered otherwise. There’s a wonderful sense of community and discovery that makes Freaky Friday a highlight of my blogging calendar, especially during the festive period when everyone is looking for fresh ideas to make their holidays extra special.
This round, I was incredibly fortunate to be assigned the delightful blog, Hostess At Heart. Julie, the “hostess with the mostess” behind the blog, and I share an uncanny number of common interests and life experiences. It’s truly amazing! Julie started her blog with the heartfelt intention of sharing her passion for recipes with friends and family. She has a deep love for entertaining, making her blog a treasure trove of inspiring ideas for gatherings. And here’s the kicker – she lives right here in my hometown! Despite this incredible coincidence and our shared passions, we’ve somehow never managed to meet in person. Julie, if you’re reading this, we absolutely need to remedy that with a lunch date soon!
As I browsed through Julie’s fantastic blog, I found myself bookmarking recipes left and right. Her Citrus Carrot Cookies immediately caught my eye; they sounded wonderfully unique and delicious, almost making it impossible to choose. However, my heart (and my sweet tooth) ultimately led me to these incredible Dark Chocolate Molasses Cookies. Honestly, put the words “dark chocolate” in front of anything, and I’m instantly on board! The promise of a rich, deep cocoa flavor combined with the comforting warmth of molasses was simply irresistible for a holiday baking project.
Beyond the cookies, Julie’s blog is brimming with culinary inspiration. I spotted a couple of other recipes that have already made their way onto my “must-try” list for the near future. Her Spiced Apple Star Bread, for instance, is not only absolutely gorgeous but looks incredibly flavorful – a true showstopper for any gathering. And for those who appreciate savory delights, her Hatch Chile & Bacon Mac and Cheese sounds like the ultimate comfort food with a fantastic kick. It’s safe to say, Hostess At Heart is now a regular stop for me when I’m seeking delicious, reliable recipes.
But let’s circle back to the stars of today’s post: these marvelous cookies. What truly sets these Dark Chocolate Molasses Cookies apart is their incredibly soft, chewy texture – a hallmark of a truly great cookie. The combination of rich dark chocolate and robust molasses is a flavor pairing I had never considered before, but wow, does it work! The subtle bitterness of the dark cocoa perfectly complements the deep, slightly spicy sweetness of the molasses, creating a complex and incredibly satisfying taste experience that’s perfect for the festive season.
As Julie instructed in her original recipe, I rolled some of the cookie dough balls in finely chopped hazelnuts, which added a wonderful crunch and nutty depth. For a more playful and festive touch, I also rolled some in vibrant chocolate jimmies, making them especially appealing to younger tasters (and the young at heart!). The versatility in toppings means you can customize them to suit any occasion or preference, whether it’s a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a classic look, or even some festive holiday sprinkles. Each variation offers a slightly different, yet equally delicious, experience.
These cookies were an instant hit at our house, disappearing almost as quickly as they came out of the oven. The balance of flavors, the delightful chewiness, and the festive feel make them an ideal addition to any holiday cookie platter or a cozy evening treat. They embody everything I love about holiday baking: warmth, comfort, and a touch of indulgence. I truly hope that you enjoy making and devouring these Dark Chocolate Molasses Cookies as much as we did!
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Print Recipe
Dark Chocolate Molasses Cookies
40
mins
10
mins
50
mins
American
Dark Chocolate Molasses Cookies, Molasses Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Baking
6
dozen
106
kcal
Michaela Kenkel
Ingredients
-
3 1/2
cups
all-purpose flour -
2
teaspoons
baking soda -
1
teaspoon
salt -
1/2
cup
dark cocoa powder -
1 1/2
cup
unsalted butter
softened -
1 1/4
cup
granulated sugar -
3/4
cup
light brown sugar -
2
large eggs
at room temperature -
1
teaspoon
pure vanilla extract -
1/2
cup
molasses -
For rolling: chopped hazelnuts
sprinkles, chocolate jimmies, or powdered sugar
Instructions
-
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and dark cocoa powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
-
In the bowl of your stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing well after each addition. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract. Finally, add the molasses and beat until the mixture is smoothly combined.
-
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
-
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for easier handling and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
-
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
-
Once chilled, roll the dough into 1 to 1 1/2-inch balls. Roll each ball in your chosen topping – chopped hazelnuts, festive sprinkles, chocolate jimmies, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are at least two inches apart to allow for proper spreading.
-
Bake for approximately 10 minutes. The cookies will be soft and slightly puffy when they are done.
-
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before carefully transferring them (still on the parchment paper) to a wire cooling rack. Let them cool completely before storing or serving.
-
Store these delicious Dark Chocolate Molasses Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and freshness.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving:
1
|
Calories:
106
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
14
g
|
Protein:
1
g
|
Fat:
5
g
|
Saturated Fat:
3
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
2
g
|
Cholesterol:
15
mg
|
Sodium:
98
mg
|
Sugar:
9
g