If you love warm spices and chewy, tender cookies that feel like a cozy hug, then this Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These cookies perfectly balance the deep richness of molasses with the radiant zing of ginger and cloves, offering an irresistible flavor that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Soft on the inside and slightly crisp around the edges, these cookies are a celebration of the season’s best spices, making them perfect for holiday baking or any time you crave something delightfully spiced and sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy here, and thankfully, this Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe relies on simple pantry staples that each bring something special to the table. From the creamy softness of butter to the bold warmth of spices, every item plays a key role in creating those perfect chewy, flavorful bites.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, enhancing the cookie’s depth.
- 1/4 cup unsulphured or dark molasses: Delivers that signature robust molasses taste and dark color.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and lends moisture and structure.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our cookie dough, balancing chewiness and shape.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Infuses that zesty warmth that defines this recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a subtle, aromatic punch that complements the ginger.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings cozy sweetness and depth to every bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise perfectly and get that slight crisp edge.
- 1 cup sugar: Used for rolling the cookie dough, creating a sparkling sugary crust.
How to Make Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and light brown sugar using a standing mixer until your mixture turns light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is crucial as it aerates the dough, giving your cookies a beautifully tender bite.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Molasses
Next, mix in the egg and molasses until everything is smoothly incorporated. The molasses infuses that signature deep flavor and moisture, while the egg helps bind all the wonderful ingredients together.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and baking soda. This blend of spices is what answers the call for an irresistible ginger molasses cookie, so don’t skip the whisking—it evenly distributes the warm warmth of the season across every bite.
Step 4: Mix Dry Into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating gently until combined. The dough will take on a soft but firm consistency, perfect for shaping.
Step 5: Chill the Dough Overnight
Cover your dough with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge overnight. This chill time lets the flavors meld and makes the dough much easier to handle, resulting in perfectly textured cookies.
Step 6: Preheat and Prepare for Baking
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 7: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough, roll each portion between your hands into a ball, then roll the ball in the cup of sugar. This sugar coating creates a delightful sparkly crust that contrasts the soft centers.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving room for spreading, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges while still tender in the center—a sign they’re done just right.
How to Serve Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon right after baking. If you want to get a little fancy, dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and let them set for a deliciously elegant twist.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or a frothy latte. For something indulgent, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the spicy, molasses flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies in a rustic tin lined with parchment paper for gifting, or stack them with ribbons for a festive centerpiece. You can also sandwich them with cream cheese frosting or marshmallow fluff to create unforgettable cookie sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover ginger molasses cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delightful for up to one week, making them perfect for prolonged snacking or sharing.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, freezing the dough balls is a lifesaver. Place them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm cookies briefly in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit or microwave for about 10 seconds to revive their chewy, comfort-food magic. This little reheating trick brings back all the fresh-baked joy.
FAQs
Can I use dark molasses instead of unsulphured molasses?
Yes, dark molasses can be used and will give your cookies a stronger, more robust flavor, but it may also make them a bit richer in color and taste. Unsulphured molasses is preferred for a milder, cleaner flavor.
What makes these Ginger Molasses Cookies chewy?
The combination of molasses and brown sugar adds moisture, while the proper baking time ensures the edges get slightly crisp but the centers remain soft and chewy, which is key to this recipe’s charm.
Can I skip chilling the dough overnight?
While you can bake these cookies without chilling, letting the dough rest overnight greatly improves the flavor development and texture, resulting in cookies with more depth and perfect chewiness.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that substitute cup for cup and have a similar protein content for best results.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking is the most effective way to prevent excessive spreading. Also, make sure your butter is not too melted but softened correctly for the best dough texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting about baking and sharing this Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe—it feels like an embrace from home with every bite. Whether you’re making holiday memories or just treating yourself, these cookies bring warmth, spice, and joy in the most delicious package. I can’t wait for you to make them, share them, and maybe even sneak one or two before anyone else notices!
Print
Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes plus overnight chilling
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ginger Molasses Cookies are a delightful treat combining warm spices with rich molasses and a hint of sweetness. Soft and chewy with a slightly crisp edge, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting spiced cookie.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsulphured or dark molasses
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a standing mixer, beat together the softened butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, which creates the perfect base for the cookies.
- Add Egg and Molasses: Incorporate the large egg and molasses into the creamed butter and sugar, beating until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and baking soda to ensure the spices and leavening are evenly distributed.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, beating slowly until just combined to form the cookie dough, avoiding overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This helps to develop the flavors and firms up the dough for easier handling.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Form Dough Balls: Use a cookie scoop to portion the chilled dough, then roll each portion into a smooth ball with your hands.
- Coat with Sugar: Pour the granulated sugar into a bowl, then roll each dough ball in the sugar until fully coated, which adds a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating the perfect chewy texture inside.
Notes
- Chilling the dough overnight is key to deepening the flavors and improving the texture of the cookies.
- Molasses gives these cookies their characteristic richness and spice; using unsulphured molasses ensures a smoother, less bitter flavor.
- Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should be soft in the center and slightly crisp on the edges.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
- For a more intense ginger flavor, consider adding an extra 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
