Molasses might scream gingerbread to most people, but it’s so much more than just a holiday sidekick. This rich, syrupy ingredient has the range—think cookies, bread, and even savory dishes that pack serious flavor without being boring. Here are some great ideas on how to use it without going the typical gingerbread route.
Molasses Cookies
Soft and rich, these molasses cookies skip the gingerbread and stand on their own. Perfect for holidays or whenever you need a sweet with a little depth, they bring all the cozy vibes without overcomplicating things.
Get the Recipe: Molasses Cookies
Applesauce Fritters
Crispy edges and a soft center make these fritters a great way to use applesauce. They’re easy to whip up and feel just right when fall starts creeping in. Bonus: they’re as snackable as they are simple.
Get the Recipe: Applesauce Fritters
Chick-Fil-A Chocolate Chunk Cookies
These big, soft cookies bring Chick-fil-A’s chocolate chunk favorite straight to your kitchen. Easy to bake and packed with chocolate, they’re a simple way to make dessert feel a little extra without much work.
Get the Recipe: Chick-Fil-A Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Chewy and packed with oats and raisins, these cookies are a solid pick when you want something classic. Crispy on the edges and soft in the middle, they’re just sweet enough without feeling over the top.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
This pie takes a classic Southern dessert and makes it shine with chocolate, molasses, and bourbon. It’s sweet, bold, and a great choice when you want to wow at the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
Iced Molasses Cookies
These cookies keep it simple and classic—chewy with a sweet powdered sugar icing on top. They’re a throwback treat that always hits the spot, whether for a holiday spread or just because.
Get the Recipe: Iced Molasses Cookies
Five Bean Baked Beans
Quick, hearty, and packed with plant protein, these baked beans are a great go-to for potlucks or weeknight dinners. They come together in 20 minutes and bring all the flavor without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Five Bean Baked Beans
Chewy Molasses Cookies
Rich with molasses and spices, these chewy cookies are an easy win for a quick, no-fuss treat. They’re packed with old-school charm and perfect for baking up when you want something simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Molasses Cookies
Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
These soft oatmeal cookies add pumpkin to the mix and top it all off with a sweet cinnamon glaze. Perfect for fall and easy to share, they’ll quickly become a favorite for anyone who loves pumpkin season.
Get the Recipe: Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Simit
Simit, a sesame-covered Turkish bread, brings a crunchy crust and soft center to your breakfast or snack table. It’s simple to make and pairs great with jam, cheese, or just a strong cup of coffee.
Get the Recipe: Simit
Chewy Iced Molasses Cookies
Spiced with molasses, cinnamon, and ginger, these chewy cookies are festive without being too fancy. Add a quick icing on top, and they’re great for the holidays—or whenever you need an excuse to bake something nostalgic.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Iced Molasses Cookies
Nutmeg Cookies
These nutmeg-spiced cookies are as good to look at as they are to eat, thanks to beautiful cookie stamps. They’re simple enough for a casual baking day but polished enough for a holiday platter.
Get the Recipe: Nutmeg Cookies
Rye Flour Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
Rye flour and molasses give this banana bread a rustic vibe, while the cream cheese frosting adds a sweet finish. It’s a great way to mix up your usual banana bread routine with something a little heartier.
Get the Recipe: Rye Flour Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
Sausage Rolls
These vegetarian sausage rolls bring all the comfort of childhood snacks back to your kitchen. Crisp pastry and savory filling make them a perfect party appetizer or a fun treat for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls
Chocolate Fudge Brownies
These brownies strike the right balance between rich and not-too-sweet. Easy to make and great for chocolate lovers, they’re a dessert that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Fudge Brownies
Molasses Crinkle Cookies
Thick and chewy with just the right amount of spice, these crinkle cookies get a boost from molasses and brown butter. Their crackled tops make them look just as great as they taste.
Get the Recipe: Molasses Crinkle Cookies
BBQ Asian Pork
Sweet, sticky, and a little spicy, this slow-cooked BBQ pork is perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether on a charcoal grill or in the oven, it’s a solid pick for Sunday dinners or family get-togethers that need a bold centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Asian Pork
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
