How can I use molasses without making a mess? I love using molasses in many different recipes, but I have found it difficult to avoid making a mess when using it. Both spooning molasses from the jar and trying to pour it out wind up leaving molasses trails on the jar and my working surface, which if not wiped off immediately dry into a mass that is almost impossible to clean.
Try slowly twisting the jar as you slow down your pour. This is what I do and it works pretty well.

This is actually something you'll see waiters and bartenders do when pouring wine, too. This video shows the action at around 3:20 in. 

Twisting the bottle causes the drip to collect on the inside of the rim and keeps it from dripping down the side. Because the molasses is more viscous than wine, it may take a bit more turning but it does work well.