Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe

Irresistibly Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe

Biting into a ginger molasses cookie that instantly transports you to cozy winter afternoons.

These magical treats blend warmth and sweetness with a delightful spicy kick.

Each crumbly morsel carries rich, deep flavors that dance across your palate.

Every baker dreams of creating cookies that make people smile and ask for seconds.

Fragrant ginger and deep molasses create a classic combination that feels both nostalgic and comforting.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with just a few careful steps.

Let’s uncover the secret to making these irresistible cookies that will have everyone begging for the recipe.

FAQs About Soft And Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

  • Why are these ginger molasses cookies so soft and chewy?

The secret is in the ingredients and baking technique. Molasses adds moisture and creates a tender texture, while not overbaking ensures the cookies remain soft. Brown sugar and butter also contribute to the delightful chewy consistency.

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This actually helps develop deeper flavors and can make the cookies even more delicious.

  • What makes the spice blend special in these cookies?

The combination of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and optional nutmeg creates a warm, complex flavor profile that’s quintessentially cozy. These spices are classic in holiday baking and give the cookies their signature comforting taste.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly set edges and centers that appear slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to firm up while cooling, which helps maintain that soft, chewy texture you’re aiming for. Don’t overbake, or they’ll become crisp instead of soft.

Why Soft And Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies Are So Comforting

  • Capture Cozy Warmth: These ginger molasses cookies wrap you in a comforting embrace of classic winter spices, delivering a nostalgic flavor that reminds you of grandmother's kitchen.
  • Magical Texture Perfection: Expertly crafted to be soft, chewy, and slightly crisp on the edges, these cookies offer a delightful mouthfeel that melts in your mouth with each delectable bite.
  • Quick and Easy Baking Adventure: Designed for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it perfect for spontaneous cookie cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Treat: Packed with rich, deep spices and a sugary coating, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or as a comforting afternoon snack with a warm cup of tea.

What’s Needed For Soft And Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich base for soft, tender cookie texture with creamy flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Deep sweetness and moisture for chewy consistency.
  • Egg: Binding agent that helps hold cookie structure together.
  • Molasses: Signature flavor with deep, warm caramel-like taste.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Primary structure for cookie's body and texture.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread during baking.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Spices:
  • Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg: Warm, aromatic blend creating classic ginger cookie flavor profile. Fresh, high-quality spices recommended for best taste.
Coating:
  • Granulated Sugar: Creates crisp exterior and adds sweet crunch to cookie edges.
Baking Accessories:
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
  • Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without becoming soggy.

Steps For Soft And Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats for a perfect non-stick surface.

Step 2: Create A Creamy Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar

Whip these together until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks light and airy.

Step 3: Introduce Moisture Magic

Pour in:
  • Egg
  • Molasses

Blend these into your creamy mixture until they’re completely incorporated and dancing together smoothly.

Step 4: Craft The Dry Blend

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Ground ginger
  • Cinnamon
  • Cloves
  • Nutmeg
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Mix these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 5: Marry The Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently and carefully – you want everything combined but not overworked. The goal is a soft, cohesive dough.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookie Delights

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into delightful little balls. Roll each ball through a plate of granulated sugar, creating a sparkling exterior. Place these sugar-coated gems on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for edges that are set and centers that look slightly underbaked. These cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool And Celebrate

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely. Your kitchen will smell like a warm, spicy paradise!

Helpful Tips For Soft And Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

  • Spice Up the Softness: Freshly ground spices intensify the warm, rich flavors of these ginger molasses cookies, making them more aromatic and delicious.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined to keep the cookies tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
  • Sugar Coating Trick: Roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking to create a beautiful crackled surface and add a delightful crispy exterior.
  • Chill for Better Texture: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and enhance the cookies' chewy consistency.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

How To Store And Reheat Soft And Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

  • Refrigerate: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve soft texture.
  • Freeze: Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze flat for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that fresh-from-the-oven softness. For crisp edges, use a toaster oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes.
  • Revive: If cookies become slightly hard, add a slice of bread to the storage container overnight. The moisture from the bread will help soften the cookies, making them chewy again.

What Goes Well With Soft And Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

  • Pair with Spiced Chai Tea: The warm, aromatic spices in chai perfectly complement the ginger and molasses flavors, creating a cozy and comforting taste experience that enhances the cookie's rich warmth.
  • Match with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, smooth vanilla provides a delightful contrast to the spicy, chewy cookies, balancing the intense molasses and ginger notes with its sweet, mild creaminess.
  • Serve Alongside Mulled Wine: A glass of warm, spiced mulled wine brings out the cookie's deep, winter-like flavors, with its blend of cinnamon, cloves, and red wine creating a luxurious and festive pairing.
  • Enjoy with Salted Caramel Latte: The combination of sweet caramel, rich espresso, and a touch of salt beautifully complements the cookie's depth of flavor, offering a sophisticated and indulgent treat.

New Variations For Soft And Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

  • Spiced Chocolate Ginger Cookies: Enhance the classic recipe by adding 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and mixing in dark chocolate chips for a rich, decadent flavor.
  • Citrus Zest Ginger Cookies: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of orange or lemon zest into the wet ingredients to brighten the warm spice profile and add a fresh, tangy note.
  • Nutty Crunch Ginger Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra texture and a deep, earthy undertone.
  • Crystallized Ginger Boost: Chop 1/4 cup of crystallized ginger and mix into the dough for an intense ginger kick and delightful chewy bits throughout the cookies.
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Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe

Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Warm, spicy ginger molasses cookies bring comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen, weaving nostalgic memories with rich, deep flavors. Crackly edges and tender centers invite warm moments of sweet indulgence you’ll savor bite by delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) molasses
  • 1 large egg

Spices:

  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Warm the culinary workspace by positioning the oven rack to 350F (175C), preparing baking surfaces with protective parchment or silicone mats for optimal cookie performance.
  2. In a spacious mixing vessel, transform butter and brown sugar into a voluminous, aerated blend through vigorous whisking, creating a luxurious foundational texture.
  3. Introduce egg and molasses into the creamy mixture, stirring until the ingredients harmonize seamlessly, developing a rich, glossy consistency.
  4. Separately construct a powdery landscape of flour, aromatic spices – ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and optional nutmeg – alongside baking soda and salt, gently combining with a delicate whisk.
  5. Gradually marry the dry ingredient constellation into the wet mixture, folding with precision to maintain a tender dough structure, avoiding aggressive stirring.
  6. Craft uniform spheres using a cookie scoop or measured tablespoon, then lovingly roll each orb through a crystalline sugar bath, ensuring a sparkling exterior before placement on prepared baking surfaces.
  7. Slide the sugar-dusted rounds into the heated oven, allowing them to transform for 8-10 minutes – seek edges with gentle firmness and centers maintaining a subtle underbaked appearance, recognizing their continued evolution during cooling.
  8. Permit cookies a brief five-minute rest on their baking platform before migrating to a wire cooling terrain, where they’ll complete their textural refinement into soft, chewy perfection.

Notes

  • Make cookies extra chewy by slightly underbaking them, ensuring they remain soft in the center when removed from the oven.
  • Experiment with spice intensity by adjusting ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to suit personal taste preferences.
  • For gluten-free options, swap wheat flour with a reliable gluten-free blend that maintains similar moisture and texture.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them moist and prevent hardening for several days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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