The Ultimate Guide to Small Batch Peanut Butter Molasses Cookies: Your Holiday Essential

Soft on the inside, with a delightful chew and a slightly crisp exterior, these nutty Small Batch Peanut Butter Molasses Cookies are destined to become a staple on your holiday cookie tray. They perfectly encapsulate the comforting flavors of the season, blending the rich, spicy warmth of molasses with the irresistible savory notes of peanut butter for a truly unique and memorable treat.

Soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, these nutty small batch Peanut Butter Molasses Cookies bring the flavors of the season to your holiday cookie tray.

Embracing the Flavors of the Season

When you close your eyes and think of Christmas cookies, what ingredients immediately spring to mind? For many, the aroma of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg fills the air. And for me, no holiday baking season is complete without opening a jar (or two) of rich, dark molasses. It’s the quintessential ingredient that lends that signature deep, caramel-like sweetness and a distinctive flavor profile to classic holiday favorites like gingerbread and traditional molasses cookies. This year, I decided to take those beloved festive notes and combine them with another crowd-pleaser: peanut butter.

For several years, my go-to holiday offering for colleagues at work has been my delightful chocolate gingersnap cookies. They’re always a hit, but this year, I felt a creative spark to explore something new, something that still carried that wonderful holiday spice but without the chocolate. Thus, the idea for these small batch Peanut Butter Molasses Cookies was born. And let me tell you, even for a self-proclaimed chocoholic like myself, these soft, nutty cookies with their subtly crisp exterior truly spice up the holidays in the most unexpected and delicious way.

The Magic of Small Batch Baking

Baking for the holidays often means producing dozens upon dozens of cookies. While that’s fantastic for large gatherings, sometimes you just want a fresh batch of treats without the overwhelming quantity. That’s where small batch baking truly shines. This recipe yields a perfect dozen cookies, ideal for smaller households, a thoughtful gift for a few friends, or simply satisfying a sudden craving for freshly baked goodness without feeling like you’re committing to a marathon baking session. It ensures that every cookie is enjoyed at its peak freshness, making each bite a pure delight.

Why This Flavor Combination Works

You might be wondering, “Peanut butter and molasses? Really?” And my answer is an emphatic “Yes!” The deep, slightly bitter, and intensely aromatic notes of molasses provide a wonderful counterpoint to the creamy, salty, and sweet undertones of peanut butter. The traditional holiday spices – cinnamon, ginger, and cloves – weave through this pairing, enhancing the warmth of the molasses and adding an extra layer of complexity that elevates these cookies far beyond a simple peanut butter or molasses cookie. The result is a harmonious blend of festive comfort and nutty satisfaction.

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Cookie Exchanges and Gifting

Christmas isn’t just about baking; it’s about sharing the joy. Every year, I bake cookies for everyone in my life – whether it’s exchanging delicious parcels with friends via snail mail, bringing them into work to share with my wonderful colleagues, or simply making a special batch for my parents (who, let’s be honest, are often better recipients than Santa!).

These spiced peanut butter molasses cookies were a huge hit with my coworkers. They disappeared within a day or two! I remember one colleague who was initially hesitant, stating he wasn’t a fan of molasses. But with just one bite, his skepticism melted away, and he became an instant believer. This goes to show how surprisingly delightful this flavor combination can be.

Tips for Gifting and Cookie Exchanges

Participating in cookie exchanges is one of my favorite holiday traditions. From selecting the perfect recipes and baking them with love to packaging them beautifully and seeing people’s delighted reactions – it’s all part of the fun. You can tailor your packaging to your style and budget:

Simple & Elegant: Clear plastic treat bags tied with festive ribbon are always a classic and effective choice.
Personalized Touch: Decorate plain paper boxes with stamps, stickers, or handwritten messages.
Reusable Charm: Invest in small Christmas tins, which make the gift feel even more special and can be reused by the recipient.
Adding a Label: Don’t forget to add a small label with the cookie name and any key allergens.

Most retail stores that sell Christmas decorations will also have a wide array of packaging options to help you present your cookies beautifully. The effort you put into presentation truly enhances the joy of giving.

Hosting a Christmas party this year? Don’t miss my essential tips on how to make the best Christmas cookie tray. These peanut butter molasses cookies are a fantastic addition, offering a unique, spiced, non-chocolate option that provides variety and intrigue among the more traditional sugar cookies and shortbreads. Their distinct flavor will surely stand out and be appreciated.

Looking for more peanut butter cookie inspiration? Be sure to check out my popular Small Batch Peanut Butter Cookies for a classic take, and my delightful Peanut Butter Cookie Cups for a fun, bite-sized variation.

Small Batch Peanut Butter Molasses Cookies Recipe

Peanut Butter Molasses Cookies

Yield:
1 dozen

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
12 minutes

Total Time:
27 minutes

Soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, these nutty small batch Peanut Butter Molasses Cookies bring the flavors of the season to your holiday cookie tray. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or a cozy evening treat.

Ingredients

1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Ensure it’s spooned and leveled for accuracy.
1 teaspoon baking soda: The key leavening agent that reacts with the molasses and brown sugar to give the cookies their rise and chew.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For that essential warm, spicy aroma.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a zesty, pungent kick that complements the molasses beautifully.
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a strong, sweet, and aromatic depth, a hallmark of holiday spices.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Contributes to the cookies’ moistness and chewy texture.
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter: Opt for a good quality creamy peanut butter (not natural/oil-separated) for the best texture and consistency.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for proper creaming.
1 egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough without making the cookies too cakey.
2 tablespoons molasses: Dark molasses is preferred for its robust flavor; avoid blackstrap as it can be too bitter.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla always brightens and rounds out the flavor profile.

Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line one large cookie sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate, even larger bowl, beat together the packed brown sugar, creamy peanut butter, and softened unsalted butter. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This step incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
Add Remaining Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg yolk until fully incorporated. Then, add the molasses and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until everything is well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. If the dough appears a bit crumbly at first, continue beating for another minute or two; it should come together into a cohesive dough.
Scoop and Bake: Using a #40 cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) or by hand, roll the dough into uniform 1½-inch balls. Place these dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the tops show slight cracks. The centers might still look a little soft, but they will set as they cool. Avoid overbaking if you want those wonderfully soft interiors.
Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up without breaking.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Molasses Cookies

Measure Flour Correctly: Always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much dry ingredient and a dry, crumbly cookie.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg yolk are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together properly, creating a smooth emulsion that traps air, resulting in lighter and more evenly textured cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cookies tough instead of tender.
Fresh Spices are Key: Old, stale spices lose their potency. For the best flavor, make sure your cinnamon, ginger, and cloves are fresh and aromatic.
Know Your Oven: Ovens can vary. If your cookies aren’t baking evenly, consider rotating the tray halfway through the baking time. Keep an eye on the cookies rather than strictly adhering to the time.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

These Peanut Butter Molasses Cookies stay wonderfully soft and flavorful for several days, making them excellent for gifting or preparing in advance.

Storing Baked Cookies: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. To keep them extra soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container (just replace the bread every day or two).
Freezing Baked Cookies: Once completely cooled, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freezing Cookie Dough: Roll the dough into balls as directed, then arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Variations to Try

While these cookies are perfect as is, you can always customize them to your liking:

Add a Roll: For extra sparkle and a slight crunch, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.
Chocolate Chips: If you simply can’t resist chocolate, stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate with the dry ingredients.
Chopped Nuts: Enhance the nutty flavor by adding ¼ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
Candied Ginger: For an extra burst of spicy warmth, fold in 1-2 tablespoons of finely minced candied ginger.

Why These Cookies Are More Than Just a Treat

Beyond their delectable taste and perfect texture, these Small Batch Peanut Butter Molasses Cookies embody the spirit of the holiday season. They are a tangible expression of warmth, comfort, and generosity. Baking them fills your home with an inviting aroma, and sharing them creates moments of joy and connection. They’re simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough for any festive occasion, proving that sometimes, the most memorable flavors come from unexpected combinations.

We hope you love baking and sharing these unique holiday cookies as much as we do. Their distinctive flavor profile is sure to be a conversation starter and a delightful addition to your festive celebrations. Happy baking!