Easy Molasses Buns: Soft, Sweet, and Irresistible

There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade buns fresh from the oven. Their golden-brown exterior, soft, tender crumb, and the warm, rich aroma of molasses instantly evoke feelings of nostalgia and coziness. Our Easy Molasses Buns recipe takes traditional flavors and simplifies the process, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results at home. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, these buns are soft, sweet, and melt in your mouth, leaving everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines simplicity with flavor. Using everyday pantry staples like molasses, cinnamon, and butter, you can whip up a batch of warm, aromatic buns in under an hour. The buns are slightly sweet with a deep molasses flavor and a subtle hint of spice, making them a perfect companion to coffee, tea, or even a scoop of butter. Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows you to customize your buns with additions like raisins, nuts, or even chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

Ingredients and Their Roles

1/2 cup milk: Provides moisture and tenderness, ensuring the buns are soft and fluffy.
1 egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the dough, enhancing flavor and texture.
1 cup molasses: Imparts deep, rich sweetness and beautiful color, giving these buns their signature flavor.
1 tsp cinnamon: Adds warmth and aromatic spice, complementing the molasses perfectly.
2 tsp baking soda: Works as a leavening agent, ensuring your buns rise properly and stay tender.
1/2 cup sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps create a slightly caramelized crust.
1 cup butter: Adds richness, moisture, and a tender crumb, making each bite indulgent.
4 cups flour: Forms the structure of the buns, giving them stability while remaining soft.
Optional 1 cup raisins: For those who love a little extra sweetness and texture, turning your buns into Molasses Raisin Buns.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the wet mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, egg, molasses, cinnamon, and baking soda. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are smooth and evenly incorporated. This ensures the buns have a consistent flavor and texture throughout.
Add sugar and butter: Stir in sugar and butter until the mixture is uniform. For best results, warm the mixture in the microwave for about 40 seconds. This slightly melts the butter and sugar, creating a richer dough and easier mixing process.
Incorporate flour: Gradually add flour into the wet mixture. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a soft, pliable dough. The flour provides structure while keeping the buns soft inside.
Optional additions: If desired, fold in raisins, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips. Raisins add a chewy, sweet bite, while nuts bring a crunchy contrast that complements the soft bun texture.
Shape the buns: Take portions of dough and form them into small balls, approximately 2 inches in diameter. Place them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each bun to allow expansion during baking.
Bake the buns: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The buns should be golden-brown on top and soft in the middle.
Cool slightly: Allow the buns to cool for 5–10 minutes in the baking dish before serving. This helps set their shape and enhances flavor absorption.

Pro Tips for Perfect Molasses Buns

Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and milk are at room temperature to achieve smooth, cohesive dough.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing can make the buns dense. Stir just until ingredients are combined.
Even sizing: Make buns roughly the same size for uniform baking and golden-brown tops.
Optional glaze: Brush with a simple mixture of powdered sugar and milk for a sweet, shiny finish.
Experiment with flavors: Try adding a teaspoon of ginger or nutmeg for a subtle spice variation.

Serving Suggestions

These Easy Molasses Buns are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

Breakfast: Serve warm with butter or cream cheese and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Brunch: Pair with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
Dessert: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Snack: Enjoy as a handheld snack straight from the baking dish — perfect for school or work.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Unlike many complicated bun recipes, this Easy Molasses Buns recipe combines simplicity, speed, and unbeatable flavor. The warm molasses aroma fills your kitchen while baking, creating an inviting atmosphere that tempts everyone to gather around the oven. Each bite is soft, sweet, and slightly spiced — the perfect balance of comfort and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers consistent results without unnecessary fuss.

Conclusion

In just under an hour, you can create homemade, bakery-quality Molasses Buns that impress every time. Their rich, comforting flavor, tender crumb, and subtle spice make them an irresistible addition to any meal or snack. Simple enough for beginners, yet delicious enough to satisfy seasoned bakers, this recipe proves that homemade buns don’t have to be complicated. Try our Easy Molasses Buns today and experience the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and homemade charm that will keep everyone coming back for more.