Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. ground ginger
- ¼ tsp. ground cloves
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ½ cup chopped pecans, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan. Cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth, then mix in the molasses, egg and vanilla.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.
3. Mix Everything Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the molasses mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans if using.
4. Fill the Pan
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5. Bake the Squares
Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the molasses squares cool completely before cutting them into squares. For an extra-sweet finish, dust them with powdered sugar before serving.