These cookies have a deep, rich flavor from molasses and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. They are tender inside with a slight crisp edge, ideal for cozy fall or winter baking. Using sodium‑free baking soda and unsalted butter keeps them gentle on cardiovascular health without losing any flavor.
Ingredients Needed
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks): softened to room temperature.
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar: adds sweetness and moisture.
- 1 large egg: at room temperature for best mixing.
- ¼ cup molasses: for rich flavor and color.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: plain, unbleached if available.
- 2 teaspoons sodium-free baking soda: ensures rise without salt.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: warm spice flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: classic molasses cookie spice.
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves: adds depth.
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg: optional but recommended.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: smooth flavor balance.
How To Make Low Sodium Molasses Cookies
Cream Butter and Sugar:
Beat softened unsalted butter with brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla; mix well.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, sodium‑free baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
Mix and Chill Dough:
Gradually add dry mix to wet ingredients until dough forms. Cover and chill for 1–2 hours; this step makes shaping easier.
Shape and Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough into balls and place on lined baking sheet. Bake 10–13 minutes for chewy cookies; bake slightly longer for crisp edges.

Recipe Tips
- Room temperature butter ensures smooth mixing and soft texture.
- Chilling dough prevents spreading and makes shaping easier.
- For extra chewiness, slightly underbake and cool on sheet before moving.
- Use fresh spices for best flavor in heart‑friendly baking.
- Lower oven to 350°F for softer cookies as noted.
How to Store & Reheat
- Room Temperature: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
- Fridge: Keep up to 1 week; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature or warm 5 minutes at 300°F.
Nutrition Facts (per cookie)
- Calories: ~110
- Sodium: ~5 mg
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Carbs: 17 g
- Fibre: 0 g
- Sugar: 9 g
FAQs
Are molasses cookies safe for low sodium diets?
Yes. Using sodium‑free baking soda and unsalted butter keeps sodium extremely low, suitable for heart‑healthy eating.
Can I use blackstrap molasses in cookies?
You can, but it is more bitter and less sweet. Regular unsulphured molasses gives a milder flavor ideal for cookies.
How do I keep molasses cookies soft after baking?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or apple to keep moisture inside.
Can I make molasses cookies ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare dough, chill, and freeze cookie balls. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Try More Recipes:
- Low Sodium Lemon Cookies
- Low Sodium Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Low Sodium Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe
Low Sodium Molasses Cookies
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy30
servings10
minutes10
minutes110
kcalRich, spiced cookies with deep molasses flavor and no added salt — perfect for cozy, heart‑healthy treats.
Ingredients
¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
¾ cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp sodium-free baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cloves
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg, molasses, and vanilla; mix well.
- Whisk flour, sodium-free baking soda, and spices in separate bowl.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients; chill 1–2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll dough into balls; place on baking sheet.
- Bake 10–13 minutes until edges are set. Cool before serving.
