Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies Recipe
There is something truly magical about baking a batch of Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies that fills your home with the cozy scent of warming spices and sweet molasses. These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy, bursting with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in every bite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a weekend treat, or just because, this recipe offers a reliable, delicious way to enjoy a classic spiced cookie that delights all ages. Get ready to experience the inviting aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture of these irresistible cookies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies so special starts with simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create a cookie that’s rich in flavor and perfect in texture. Each component plays a key role—from the buttery softness to the spicy kick and deep molasses sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1½ cups): Softened butter creates that tender, chewy texture that’s essential for these cookies.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crunch on the sugar-coated surface.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Imparts moisture and a subtle caramel flavor for depth.
- Unsulphured molasses (½ cup): The star ingredient—a rich, dark sweetness that gives these cookies their signature flavor and chewy texture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
- All-purpose flour (4½ cups): Forms the body of the cookie for a sturdy, chewy bite.
- Baking soda (4 teaspoons): Helps the cookies rise and develop those beautiful cracks on top.
- Ground ginger (1 tablespoon): Adds a warm, slightly spicy zing that defines the ginger flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Brings a comforting, sweet spice tone that complements the ginger.
- Ground cloves (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of earthiness and depth to the spice blend.
- Fine sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Additional granulated sugar: Used for rolling the dough to add an enticing sugar crunch on the outside.
How to Make Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and sea salt in a medium bowl. This ensures that all the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, which helps every cookie have perfect flavor and an even rise.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This process is vital because it incorporates air that contributes to the cookie’s soft texture while creating that beautifully sweet base.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Molasses
Beat the eggs into the creamed butter mixture one at a time, then stir in the molasses until everything is well combined. The molasses adds that deep, sticky sweetness and the moisture needed for chewy cookies, bringing a rich complexity that sets these apart from your average cookie.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet one, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want everything incorporated without overworking the dough—this keeps the cookies tender instead of tough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least two hours. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking, which maintains their chewy heartiness and desirable shape.
Step 6: Prepare to Bake
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This lets the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking while helping keep them moist but firm.
Step 7: Shape and Roll Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each in granulated sugar to coat. This sugar coating creates a delightful crispy outer shell that beautifully contrasts with the soft, chewy interior.
Step 8: Bake
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the baking sheet with plenty of space between them (about 2 inches apart) and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops start to crack. The cracks are a fantastic sign of that signature chewy texture inside while the outside stays slightly crisp.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies firm up just enough so they don’t fall apart but remain delightfully chewy every bite.
How to Serve Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies
Garnishes
While these cookies are perfect just as they are, try dusting a tiny bit of powdered sugar over the top for an elegant, snowy look. You could also sprinkle some freshly grated orange zest before baking to add a fresh, bright aroma that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
Side Dishes
Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea, rich hot chocolate, or a creamy latte. For a decadent twist, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the spice and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board for a cozy holiday spread or stack them in a pretty tin for gift-giving. You might even sandwich a bit of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a fun and creamy spin that’s sure to impress friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their moisture and chewiness, so they stay as delicious as the day you baked them.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking for up to 3 months. Just roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time for perfect results.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This gently softens the cookies and revives that chewy texture you love.
FAQs
Can I substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup?
Molasses has a unique robust flavor and texture that honey or maple syrup can’t quite replicate. Substituting might change the chewiness and affect the spice balance, so for authentic Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies, it’s best to stick with molasses.
Why do these cookies need to be chilled before baking?
Chilling the dough firms it up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, which keeps them chewy and allows those lovely cracks to form on top, giving the cookies their signature look.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, with some adjustments. Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum often works well. Just know that texture might be slightly different but will still be delightful with the spicy molasses flavor.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet cookie, slightly reduce the granulated and brown sugars by up to ¼ cup each. Keep the molasses amount the same—it adds more spice complexity than just sweetness.
What causes the cracks on top of the cookies?
The cracks form as the baking soda reacts with the molasses and warms up the cookie dough, causing it to spread and break slightly on top. These cracks are a hallmark of perfect Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies, signaling a chewy, tender core inside.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about biting into a warm, chewy molasses ginger cookie fresh from the oven. These cookies bring that cozy feeling with every bite, reminding us it’s the simple ingredients and little touches—like chilling the dough and rolling in sugar—that make all the difference. From the perfect crackled top to the soft, spicy inside, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves cookies that deliver on both flavor and texture. So go ahead, gather these ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these delightful Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies—I promise they will become a timeless favorite!
