Delight in the warm, spiced comfort of these Soft Molasses Cookies with Reduced Fat—a guilt-free twist on a classic holiday favorite. These cookies achieve their perfectly tender texture with a clever substitution of unsweetened applesauce and a touch of canola oil, cutting down on fat without compromising flavor. Each bite is packed with the earthy sweetness of molasses and a bold medley of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, making them irresistibly fragrant. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, these cookies are ideal for festive gatherings or cozy afternoons with a cup of tea. For a finishing touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds just the right hint of sweetness. Perfectly soft, warmly spiced, and lower in fat—these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, granulated sugar, and canola oil. Whisk until smooth.
Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the wet mixture. Whisk again until everything is fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still soft. Avoid overbaking for a tender texture.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
If desired, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Calories |
2782 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.2 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 220 mg | 73% | |
| Sodium | 1359 mg | 59% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 576.0 g | 209% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.8 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 341.8 g | ||
| Protein | 38.0 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 433 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 23.0 mg | 128% | |
| Potassium | 2815 mg | 60% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.