I’ve always declared cookies as my favorite dessert, but not just any cookies. In fact, as a kid I didn’t like dry cookies, crispy cookies, flaky cookies, or even chocolate cookies. Consequently, I wasn’t usually the first one to dive into the Christmas cookie platter. But when I spotted those tender, thick molasses cookies, it was hard to hold me back. These days, I’m not as particular about my cookie cravings. But I still love big molasses cookies, as long as they’re dairy free!
And this year I decided to share my favorite holiday cookies with the people in my building. I think they were a bit surprised by such early holiday cheer, but they certainly weren’t going to turn down these marvelous molasses cookies. I thought about gifting them to just our close neighbors, but there has been a bit of upheaval in our entire building lately, so I knew more people could use a jumbo cookie!
These big molasses cookies do keep fairly well when sealed in an airtight container, so they’re great for gifting and gatherings. The sugar coating is optional, but it does seal the deal on sweetness! I do find that the cookies come out more tender overall without the sugar coating, but are more crispy-chewy with the sugar coating. I used Bob’s Red Mill cane sugar for a generous dusting that still stood out. But if you want extra holiday sparkle, they also have sparkling sugar.
I also tested these as dairy-free roll and cut molasses cookies. They work pretty well! The dough is stiff, so you don’t want to refrigerate it first, just roll away. I rolled mine about an 1/8- to 1/4-inch thickness and baked them for just 9 to 10 minutes.
Thank you to Bob’s Red Mill for sponsoring this post! Check out more delicious healthy recipes, snag coupons and find stores near you at BobsRedMill.com!
Special Diet Notes: Big Molasses Cookies
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, and vegetarian.
For egg-free and vegan big molasses cookies, use 1 flax egg, 1 chia egg, or 3 tablespoons aquafaba. In a pinch, you can just add 2 to 3 tablespoons water, as needed to get the right dough consistency.
- 2¼ cups all-purpose unbleached flour
- 2½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (3/4 teaspoon above 3000 feet)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅜ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ cup sustainable palm shortening
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup cane sugar
- ¼ cup molasses (can use blackstrap for deep/rich)
- 1 large egg (see post above for vegan option)
- sparkling sugar (or more cane sugar), for rolling
- Preheat your oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Put the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and cloves in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
- Put the shortening, brown sugar and cane sugar in a large mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer until creamed, Add the molasses and egg and beat to combine. Gradually add the flour and beat to combine. The dough will become very thick. Switch to stirring, if needed.
- For big cookies, roll the dough into ping pong-sized balls (about 1½ inches in diameter), and optionally roll them in sugar. Place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on how thick vs how chewy you want them.
Key Pantry Ingredients: Dairy-Free Big Molasses Cookies
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31 Comments
Hi! I am looking to make these for a friend, but don’t have shortening. Could I use plant butter or canola oil instead? Thank you!
They won’t bake up us thick, soft and chewy. Both butter alternative and oil will cause them to flatten more and be a little crispier. I would use the butter alternative. If using just oil, some other modifications might be needed. If you are baking at high altitude, more adjustments might be needed for that too.
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What is sustainable palm oil? We just found out we need to be dairy free so I substitute a lot with coconut oil, may I ise that instead or is it a sustainable palm oil?
-old school Army cook aka never substitue (ha)
Palm oil and palm shortening are the same thing, so it is essentially shortening. Straight coconut oil won’t substitute as well, you’ll end up with flatter, crispier cookies. You can use another shortening if preferred. There should be a link in the recipe to the brand I used specifically (it is actually a palm/coconut blend shortening). I put the word “sustainable” because there is an uproar about palm oil and orangutan habitats. I want to ensure people know there is sustainably certified palm oil so they don’t leave angry comments 🙂
These look yummy! Can they be made wheat-free…using the gluten-free flour?
Probably, but I haven’t tested it yet! You can try subbing your favorite gluten-free flour blend, but I would use the egg (not egg substitute).
I’ve NEVER been one to like crisp, thin cookies. So this thick cookie is speaking my love language.
Hmmm, now you’re making me think of more chewy cookies to make 🙂
I love big chewy molasses cookies too! I can’t wait to try your recipe.
I hope you get the chance to try it gluten free Audrey!
My toddler and I are doing a happy dance! She loves big chewy cookies. She would be happy to be your taste tester!
I can always use another taster!
These cookies are so cute for the holidays!
I just happen to have enough aquafaba, and I think all the other ingredients too! this is on my afternoon baking list – I LOVE this kind of cookie!
You and me both! I hope you get the chance to enjoy them Kristina!
I LOVE big chewy molasses cookies! Definitely going to make some.
Chewy cookies are my favorite. 🙂
Great foodies eat alike 🙂
I’m with you! Thick, chewy cookies are the bomb (do people still say that?). These look like cookies my grandmother would bake.
I’m still wondering if “cool” is still in 🙂 They totally reminded me of grandma’s!
Ummm YES, please! Gosh, these look so perfect! Definitely going to have to try this recipe out for the holidays. 😉
You had me at thick and chewy!! The holidays just aren’t the same without these delicious molasses cookies!
These look ahhmazing! Perfect for the holiday cookie platter!
These seriously look perfect! They are just the right amount of crinkly!
These look so thick and delicious! Just the way a cookie should be!
Mmmm, these sound yummy!!
I feel like these are the kind of thing that become an annual family tradition! My mom was not a baker, which is where I get it so we didn’t make much variety in cookies, which means i totally need to try these.
My mother wasn’t a good cook, but she was a really good baker – so that seems to be where my strength lies 🙂 And yes, you do!
Oh my! These look INCREDIBLE! Thick and chewy and YUM! I cannot wait to whip me up some of these! Thank you for the recipe 🙂
I hope you get the change to enjoy Whitney!