Save Irresistibly soft and chewy molasses cookies brimming with warm spices are the perfect way to add some comfort to your afternoon. This classic American treat comes together quickly and easily, no mixer required.
I first made these cookies for a chilly family evening, and the aroma of ginger and cinnamon filled our kitchen with memories. They became my go-to sweet for winter gatherings, requested year after year.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (280 g)
- Ground ginger: 2 teaspoons
- Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Ground cloves: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: 3/4 cup (170 g), melted and cooled slightly
- Dark brown sugar: 1 cup (200 g), packed
- Unsulphured molasses: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Egg: 1 large, room temperature
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g), for rolling
Instructions
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth and glossy. Add egg and vanilla and whisk until well combined.
- Combine Wet & Dry:
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir with a spatula just until no dry flour remains; do not overmix.
- Form & Coat Dough Balls:
- Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough and roll into balls (about 1 1/2 inches). Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
- Arrange on Tray:
- Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake:
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until cookies are puffed and edges are set but centers appear slightly underbaked.
- Cool:
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save My kids love helping roll the dough balls in sugar, and giggling as the cookies puff up in the oven. It has turned into one of our most cherished baking traditions.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy (butter). Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie: Calories 120, Total Fat 5 g, Carbohydrates 18 g, Protein 1 g
Save Keep a batch ready to share and cozy up with these cookies all season long.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I achieve extra chewiness?
Slightly underbaking the cookies helps retain a soft, chewy center while the edges set perfectly.
- → Can I substitute molasses with another ingredient?
Dark treacle can be used as a substitute for molasses, offering a similar deep, rich flavor.
- → What spices are included in these cookies?
The blend includes ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, providing a warm and aromatic profile.
- → Is a mixer needed for preparation?
No mixer is required; the ingredients can be combined easily with a whisk and spatula.
- → How should the cookies be stored?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.