Ginger Molasses Cookies
These soft, chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies are like a warm hug on a chilly day—spiced just right for Christmas baking.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour or swap in whole-wheat pastry flour for nuttier flavor
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger or ⅛ tsp fresh grated for brightness
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves or use pumpkin-pie spice blend
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar plus extra for rolling (turbinado sugar adds sparkle)
- ½ cup unsulphured molasses Blackstrap for deeper color and flavor
- 1 large egg room temperature (for best rise)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure Madagascar if you have it
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until evenly blended.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and ¾ cup sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy—about 3 minutes.
- Beat in egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Gently stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).
- Scoop 1½ Tbsp portions and roll into balls. Roll each ball in extra sugar to coat evenly.
- Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Bake 8–10 minutes—edges should set while centers remain soft with crackles.
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They firm up just right but stay chewy inside.
Notes
Fresh vs. Ground Ginger: A pinch of fresh ginger brightens the spice profile, though ground ginger creates that classic warmth. Chill Is Crucial: Chilling firms up the butter, prevents excess spread, and deepens flavor—don’t skip it. Sugar Coating: Coarse sugar not only looks festive but adds a delightful crunch and extra sparkle.
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