These molasses recipes, from smoky barbecue chicken to chewy ginger cookies and spiced cakes, offer deliciously sweet or boldly savory ways to use the unique, dark syrup.
1/30
Molasses Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
My family always requests these soft molasses cookies. These chewy cookies are also perfect for shipping as holiday gifts or to troops overseas. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 310 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
2/30
Gingerbread Bundt Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This gorgeous gingerbread Bundt cake's light and airy yet moist texture has made me a true fan. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 365 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
3/30
Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’ve ever had the honor of eating at The Cheesecake Factory, you know about their addicting, subtly sweet brown bread. This copycat version brings four loaves to your kitchen, so you'll never have to go without. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 158 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
4/30
Gingerbread Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Christmas breakfast is extra festive when these fragrant spiced pancakes are on the menu. We've even made them in the shape of gingerbread men. —Debbie Baxter, Gresham, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3 each: 305 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 849mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
5/30
Molasses Crinkle Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
You can treat yourself to one or two of my crackle cookies without guilt. Most molasses cookies are loaded with butter and have way too much sugar, but not mine. You would never know these are so low in fat. —Jean L. Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 77 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 106mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
6/30
British Baked Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
These British beans are considered a national classic and one of the essentials for a full English breakfast. The classic breakfast components include eggs, bacon, buttered toast, tomatoes and sausages, and the baked beans' sweet, tangy sauce brings everything together. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 315 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 944mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein.
7/30
Homemade Moon Pies
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loved moon pies when he was a child, and he loves this homemade version now. Add jam or dulce de leche to the southern cookie sandwich before adding the marshmallow creme, if desired. —Shawn Barto, Palmetto, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 217 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
8/30
Dipped Gingersnaps
From the Recipe Creator:
I get tremendous satisfaction making and giving time-tested yuletide treats like these dipped gingersnaps. Dipping them in white chocolate makes much-loved gingersnaps even more special. —Laura Kimball, West Jordan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 105 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
9/30
Citrus-Molasses Glazed Ham
From the Recipe Creator:
We are always searching for new ways to utilize Florida citrus, which is plentiful during the holidays in our own backyard. I know you will enjoy this. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked ham: 272 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1424mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 39g protein.
10/30
A Bit Nutty Boston Brown Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
Hearty and dense, my homemade Boston Brown Bread features hazelnuts for a delightfully nutty taste. Thick slices pair well with just about anything, from soup and stews to pasta and meat entrees. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 159 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 263mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
11/30
Shredded Barbecue Chicken over Grits
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s nothing like juicy meat served over creamy grits. And the pumpkin in these grits makes them taste like a spicy, comforting bowl of fall flavors. Your family will come running to the table for this one. —Erin Renouf Mylroie, Santa Clara, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 345 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
12/30
Oatmeal Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
The aroma from this old-fashioned oat bread will draw your family members to the kitchen so they can sample it fresh from the oven. —Marcia Hostetter, Canton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 247 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
13/30
Blue-Ribbon Herb Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
These rolls have been a favorite of ours for nearly 25 years. I even baked them in an old wood stove when we lived on a farm. I developed the recipe using several techniques I learned while studying the art of bread making. The recipe won a blue ribbon at our county fair. —Mary Ann Evans, Tarpon Springs, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 94 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
14/30
Boston Baked Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
For a potluck or picnic, you can’t beat this classic side that starts with a pound of dried beans. Molasses and maple syrup give it a slight sweetness. —Pat Medeiros, Tiverton, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 385 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 810mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
15/30
Spiced Pear Upside-Down Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
The flavors of fresh, sweet pears and gingerbread blend beautifully in this intriguing variation on pineapple upside down cake. Leftovers—if there are any—taste amazing with coffee or tea the next day. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 419 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 347mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
16/30
Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
I've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 68 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
17/30
Lebkuchen
From the Recipe Creator:
It's tradition for my family to make these German treats together. The recipe came from my great-grandmother's cookbook, and judging from the amount of requests I get, it has certainly stood the test of time. —Esther Kempker, Jefferson City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 187 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 137mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
18/30
Gingerbread Latte
From the Recipe Creator:
Make a big batch of this recipe's gingerbread syrup, and you can whip up a festive gingerbread latte on any cold December morning. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 latte: 380 calories, 26g fat (16g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
19/30
Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to share this dish at potlucks because it can be made ahead, which I especially appreciate during the busy holiday season. The sweet-and-spicy sauce is always a hit. —Martha Anne Carpenter, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 536 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 1304mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 42g protein.
20/30
Spiced Molasses Doughnut Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I don't know where this recipe came from, but my family has been making these cookies for four generations. I am from upstate New York, and I haven't met anyone who has heard of doughnut cookies outside of that area. But when folks try these, they love them! —Brenna Phillips, Lawrenceville, Georgia
21/30
Peachy Gingerbread Cake Roll
From the Recipe Creator:
My father loved gingerbread so I combined two or three recipes to create this one for him. This fruity, spiced cake roll gets kudos every time I serve it.
—Dawn DePew, Blacklick, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 425 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
22/30
Gingerbread Buttermilk Waffles
From the Recipe Creator:
We created this recipe so folks could enjoy the festive flavor of gingerbread at breakfast. For a pretty look, sprinkle the waffles with confectioners’ sugar. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita half: 353 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 621mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
23/30
Chocolate Ginger Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Indulge in a dark, decadent cake that showcases the flavors of the holiday season. I stir fresh ginger into the batter and sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger over the velvety ganache. —Amber Evans, Beaverton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 596 calories, 32g fat (9g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 289mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
24/30
Ginger Creme Sandwich Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
With a lemony filling, these spiced cookies go over big because they have old-fashioned, comfort-food appeal. Your party guests will snatch them up! —Carol Walston, Granbury, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 184 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
25/30
Slow-Cooker Brisket
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend had success with this recipe, so I tried it. When my husband told me how much he loved it, I knew I'd be making it often. —Vivian Warner, Elkhart, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked beef with 1/4 cup sauce: 381 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 47g protein.
26/30
Pfeffernuesse Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
A German holiday tradition, these fragrant pfeffernuesse cookies pack a warm rush of spices in every bite. Also called peppernuts, they go wonderfully with coffee or tea.—Joanne Nelson, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 42 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
27/30
Big Soft Ginger Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These nicely spiced, big soft ginger cookies are perfect for folks who like the flavor of ginger but don't care for crunchy gingersnaps. —Barbara Gray, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 111 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
28/30
Wild Rice Bread with Sunflower Seeds
From the Recipe Creator:
I loved skipping the boring school cafeteria meals and going to my grandma’s house for lunch. She spent most of her life in northeastern Minnesota, which is reflected in this bread's ingredients. Now my family uses this for our holiday stuffing. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece (calculated without wheat germ): 142 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
29/30
Gingerbread Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
The rich molasses and spice flavor of this old-time dessert is complemented with a buttery caramel sauce. —Joy Sparks, Muskegon, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 497 calories, 17g fat (11g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
30/30
Gingerbread Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Our two boys linger around the kitchen when these homemade gingerbread cookies are baking. I make this gingerbread cookie recipe throughout the year using a variety of cookie cutters. —Christy Thelan, Kellogg, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 77 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 69mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Molasses Recipes FAQ
What is the difference between blackstrap molasses and regular molasses in recipes?
If you compare blackstrap molasses versus light or dark molasses, the differences in concentration of flavor, bitterness, color and thickness will change the overall final taste of a recipe. Since baking is more exact, stick with the type of molasses called for in the recipe, but in savory dishes, use the one most suited to your personal taste. Blackstrap molasses is the strongest, boldest type, so add it gradually because a little goes a long way.
Can you substitute molasses for brown sugar in recipes?
Since molasses is a liquid and brown sugar is considered a dry ingredient, they are not interchangeable in baking recipes because the sugar and moisture balance will be altered. In savory sauces or stews, where you can adjust the amount by taste, you can use either, though the final flavor will be different. Instead of replacing brown sugar, mix 1 cup of white granulated sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of molasses for homemade light brown sugar or 1 to 2 tablespoons for dark brown sugar.
Are there savory recipes using molasses?
Molasses isn’t as sugary tasting as other liquid sweeteners and has a bitter edge, so it’s a versatile ingredient in various savory dishes, from barbecue sauces to baked beans. A small amount in homemade bread adds a lightly malty taste to the dough and it’s sticky texture gives the smoky char of a grill something to bond with, for well-seasoned grilled meats and seafood.
