Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
on Dec 03, 2019
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These ginger molasses cookies are thick and chewy with a delicious molasses flavor. They’re made with brown sugar and the perfect amount of warm spices to create a cookie that’s flavorful, extra soft, and easy to make. 
**This recipe was first published December 14, 2015 and updated December 3, 2019**
I love making these ginger molasses cookies over Christmas, but there’s no reason not to enjoy them all year long. These cookies are chewy, ridiculously soft, filled with spices and rolled in sugar for extra texture. They way easier and less fussy than making gingerbread men, and you end up with a cookie that’s even more flavorful with a warm ginger molasses flavor.
I make these ginger molasses cookies every Christmas, and everyone is always surprised by just how delicious they are.
The Secrets To Soft, Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
- The delicious rich flavor comes from brown sugar, molasses & a healthy dose of spices. I recommend using dark molasses instead of light, but I’d stay away from blackstrap because it can be overwhelming.
- Then for spices – we’re using ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg & ground cloves. If the delicious aroma doesn’t get you feeling festive – I’d recommend another eggnog.
- The dark brown sugar & molasses add moisture to keep them soft and chewy.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes keeps the cookies thick.
- The cookie dough is formed into balls, rolled in sugar for extra crunch, and then baked. Slightly underbaking the cookies keeps them even softer.
Note: the cookies will turn out if you don’t chill the dough. However, because the dough is quite thin, it makes it more challenging to roll the dough into balls without chilling first.
Make-ahead & Freezing Instructions:
- The dough can be made, covered and chilled for up to 24 hours. Then form into balls, roll in sugar and bake.
- To freeze the cookie dough:
- Make the dough according to the recipe instructions.
- Roll the dough into balls (do not roll in sugar), place on a plate, cover, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Then place the dough balls in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, roll the balls in sugar and bake according to the recipe instructions below. The cookies will need to bake for 1-2 minutes longer.
- Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool the cookies fully before freezing. Thaw the cookies in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before enjoying.
For more details on freezing – you can also check out this whole post I did on freezing cookie dough.
Without fail, I make these ginger molasses cookies every Christmas. They have the perfect ginger molasses flavor, and the softest, chewiest texture. Make them along with shortbread and some sugar cookies for the perfect Christmas cookie platter.
Or if you love gingerbread, make sure to try:
- Gingerbread Pancakes
- Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Gingerbread Bundt Cake
- Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting
Soft And Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/3 cup white sugar or coarse sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl sift together the flour, spices, baking soda & salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Then beat in the molasses, vanilla extract and large egg.
- Turn the mixer down to low speed and carefully add beat in the flour mixture about 1/2 at a time.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Pour the 1/3 cup sugar on a small plate. Form the dough into balls about 1 - 1.5 tablespoons in size, then roll each dough ball in the sugar.
- Place the cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet, and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Bake cookies on a middle rack, 1 tray at a time.
Soft and crunchy! YUMMY
I’ve tried several molasses cookie recipes but this is the best!!
I’m a guy who likes to cook/bake. I made these today, and they were a hit. My 4 year old grand daughter loved rolling them around in the sugar! I baked * minutes and they were soft but held together nicely. The molasses came through, but not too strongly. Mighty fine with a cup of coffee…just sayin’! These will be making many more encore appearances. Thanks so much for the recipe, Fiona!
Absolutely my favorite recipe! Thank you so much for sharing!
They’re one of my favorites too! Happy baking
These were easy and delicious. Chilling the dough made all the difference.
So glad you enjoyed them
This is my 2nd year baking these cookies for my Christmas baking.. both times they were pure perfection. Followed your recipe to a “T” Thank you for such a yummy recipe!
These are awesome. I have made these 4 times so far as I do sweet trays for our family and friends. The flavor is just perfect. It’s an easy cookie to make. Holding on to this one……it’s a keeper. Thank you.
I made this for a Christmas party. A big hit will be making more this week. Great recipe!!!!
Nice soft cookies with a great taste! I’ve made them around Christmas two years in a row and my kiddos love them!
These turned out perfect! Thanks for sharing this fabulous cookie recipe!