Name: Sailor Jacks Spice Muffins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup molasses 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup melted butter 1 large egg 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup hot water

Moist, dense, and filled with warm spice, Sailor Jacks Spice Muffins are the nostalgic bite-size treat you didn’t know you needed. These deeply flavored muffins are caramelized around the edges with a molasses-kissed center that remains soft and gooey. They taste like a cross between sticky toffee pudding and gingerbread, but with the cozy intensity of old-fashioned spice cake baked into a compact, rich bite.

Perfect for fall and winter, or any time you want something comforting with a cup of tea or coffee, these muffins are known to disappear fast. They make a beautiful addition to dessert platters, holiday brunch spreads, or tucked into lunchboxes for an unexpected sweet treat. One bite and you’ll understand why they’re a beloved classic.

What Makes Sailor Jacks So Special?

The secret to Sailor Jacks Spice Muffins lies in their sticky, pudding-like center and deeply caramelized crust. They are baked in mini muffin tins so that every bite has a generous edge-to-center contrast—slightly chewy and glossy on the outside, warmly soft and deeply spiced in the middle. The molasses gives these muffins a rich depth, while brown sugar enhances the gooey texture. It’s a humble recipe that turns pantry staples into pure comfort.

Ingredients for the Sailor Jacks Spice Muffins

Molasses: This is the heart of the recipe. It adds deep flavor and that rich, dark hue.
Brown Sugar: Helps create that gooey, sticky texture and adds a caramel undertone.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure while keeping the muffins soft and moist.
Baking Soda: Reacts with the molasses for just the right rise and slight chewiness.
Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves): These are what give Sailor Jacks their signature spice.
Egg: Acts as a binder and gives the muffins their pudding-like richness.
Butter: Adds flavor and helps achieve that glossy, toffee-like crust.
Hot Water: Loosens the batter and helps meld all the ingredients together.

How To Make the Sailor Jacks Spice Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Tin

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a mini muffin tin. This step is essential to create that signature caramelized crust on each muffin. A nonstick spray or a light brushing of butter will do the trick.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the molasses, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth and glossy. Then beat in the egg until fully combined. The batter should be thick and rich at this stage.

Step 3: Stir in the Spices and Leavening

Sprinkle in the baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Whisk gently to combine. You’ll notice the mixture may start to puff slightly as the baking soda reacts with the acidic molasses—that’s exactly what you want.

Step 4: Add Flour and Hot Water

Add the flour and stir until a thick batter forms. Then slowly stream in the hot water while stirring continuously. The batter will loosen and become pourable but still thick and sticky.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tins

Spoon the batter into your prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top. Don’t worry if it looks glossy and runny—the muffins will bake up beautifully.

Step 6: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. You’re looking for puffed centers and slightly darkened edges. The muffins will still be soft in the center when done—that’s part of their charm.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. They’ll firm up a bit as they rest, making it easier to remove them. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture.

How to Serve and Store Sailor Jacks Spice Muffins

These spice-rich gems are best served slightly warm when their centers are at their gooiest. Enjoy them with a mug of chai, coffee, or hot cider for a cozy treat. They’re a natural fit for fall and winter holidays, but honestly, their comforting flavor belongs year-round.

To store, place fully cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer keeping, refrigerate for up to a week and warm briefly before serving. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat to bring back their soft, sticky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the muffins from sticking to the tin?

Generously grease your mini muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray. Avoid using paper liners as they peel off too much of the gooey crust.

Can I make these in a regular muffin tin?

Yes, though you may need to increase the bake time to around 18-20 minutes. Keep a close eye and test for soft centers and firm edges.

Can I substitute molasses?

Molasses gives these muffins their signature flavor and texture, but if needed, dark corn syrup or maple syrup can be used in a pinch. The flavor won’t be quite as deep.

Why do I need hot water in the batter?

The hot water helps dissolve the sugar and molasses, loosening the batter into the perfect sticky texture that creates the gooey center.

Are these muffins very sweet?

They’re sweet, but not cloying. The spice and molasses balance the sugar, creating a rich, warm flavor that’s more comforting than sugary.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. These disappear fast, so doubling the batch is a smart move—just be sure you have enough mini muffin pans or bake in batches.

Want More Muffin Ideas with a Twist?

If these Sailor Jacks Spice Muffins sparked your love for warm, cozy flavors, try out some of these delicious creations next:

• Easy Pumpkin Muffins for a seasonal classic with minimal effort.
• Amish Applesauce Cake if you crave moist spice in every bite.
• Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake for a protein-packed morning muffin alternative.
• Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats to satisfy a caramel sweet tooth.
• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies when you want melt-in-your-mouth simplicity.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you serve them with tea or coffee? Did you try any twists—maybe orange zest or a splash of rum?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Got a question or tip? Drop it below—let’s help each other bake better.

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