Pumpkin Spice Molasses Cookies

Name: Pumpkin Spice Molasses Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup butter, melted; 1 large egg; ¼ cup brown sugar; ⅓ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling); 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ⅓ cup molasses; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 2 teaspoons baking soda; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 8 oz. block of cream cheese, softened; 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup; 3 ½ – 4 cups confectioners' sugar

By:

Marry

Published:

November 12, 2025

[grow_share_buttons]

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Spice Molasses Cookies is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy blanket on a chilly fall afternoon. These cookies are all about that blend of rich molasses and delightful pumpkin spice, giving you a taste of the season in every bite. As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home, inviting everyone to the kitchen. Best of all, the preparation is a breeze, so you don’t have to be a baking expert to whip up this delicious treat. Whether you want to impress family during holiday gatherings or treat yourself to a sweet snack, you’re going to love how these Pumpkin Spice Molasses Cookies turn out!

Why This Recipe Works

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Spice Molasses Cookies is all about balancing flavors and textures. The combination of rich molasses with warm pumpkin spice brings an inviting seasonal taste that evokes the feelings of cozy fall evenings. This recipe leverages the right amounts of butter and sugar to achieve that distinct chewy texture while ensuring an easy mixing process. You won’t have to worry about the cookies being too hard or too soft; they land in that delightful chewy zone that makes every bite satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Molasses Cookies

These cookies are not just delicious; they are the epitome of comfort food, enveloping you in warmth and nostalgia with every bite. The hint of cream cheese frosting adds a delightful twist, making them perfect for any gathering, holiday celebration, or simply as an afternoon treat. Each cookie bursts with flavor, creating a memorable experience that will have you coming back for seconds. Imagine sitting around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying these lovely cookies with friends and family. They are sure to create sweet memories!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Molasses Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to get started on your baking adventure:

¾ cup butter, melted
1 large egg
¼ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
⅓ cup molasses
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt

For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz. block of cream cheese, softened
2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
3 ½ – 4 cups confectioners’ sugar

Preparing the Dough

Combine the Dry Ingredients

Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of sea salt, 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice, and 2 teaspoons of baking soda until well combined. Setting it aside gives flavors a chance to mingle!

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the ¾ cup of melted butter, ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 large egg, and ⅓ cup of molasses until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. The blend should be creamy and inviting, ready to work its magic in the cookies.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, gently stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough—this keeps them soft and chewy after baking. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This step makes it easier to handle when you form your cookies and enhances the flavors.

Forming the Cookies

Roll the Dough Into Balls

Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the chilled dough and roll them into one-inch balls. Then, roll each ball in granulated sugar for a sweet outer layer. For added flair, you can press a pecan into the center of each cookie if you’d like. It gives a nice crunch and makes them look extra special!

Bake the Cookies

Next, place the cookie balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to barely brown. The trick here is to remove them just before they appear fully baked. They will continue to cook as they cool, giving you the perfect chewy texture you crave.

Making Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream the Butters and Syrup

In a medium bowl, beat together the ½ cup of softened butter and 8 oz. of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add in 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup and beat well. You’ll start to smell that heavenly aroma!

Incorporate the Confectioners’ Sugar

Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar, about one cup at a time, mixing continuously until the frosting reaches your desired thickness. This smooth, sweet mixture is perfect for spreading on your cooled cookies; it adds that indulgent touch you’ll love.

Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, generously spread the maple cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Don’t skimp on this part; the sweetness pairs perfectly with the spiced flavors of the cookies!

Storage Tips

Store your Pumpkin Spice Molasses Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For the best chewy texture, allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying. You want that soft and fluffy bite!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Pumpkin Spice Molasses Cookies with warm spiced tea, a pumpkin-flavored latte, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also make charming treats alongside cheese boards. The contrasting flavors turn any simple gathering into a memorable occasion.

Tips for Success

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for uniform mixing.
Avoid overbaking the cookies; remember, they continue to firm up as they cool.
For fluffy cookies, be sure to measure the flour accurately. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference!

Variations

If you want to mix things up, consider these fun variations:

Add chocolate chips for an extra sweet twist if you’re in the mood.
Substitute the maple syrup with honey for a different flavor profile.
Include nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch; it all depends on your taste!

FAQs

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time for best results.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Simple! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Easy peasy!

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, you can entirely use brown sugar! This swap enhances both the chewiness and flavor of your cookies.

What can I use instead of molasses?

You can use honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind they don’t provide the same flavor depth as molasses.

How can I tell when the cookies are done?

Watch for the edges to be slightly browned; they may look a bit soft in the center, but they’ll firm up nicely as they cool.

Baking these Pumpkin Spice Molasses Cookies captures the spirit of autumn, bringing a sense of warmth and happiness to your kitchen. With their delightful flavors and comforting textures, they are destined to become a favorite in your household. Gather your ingredients, follow this easy recipe, and enjoy the fun of creating sweet memories with every batch. Your kitchen—along with everyone who’s lucky enough to enjoy these cookies—will thank you!