Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
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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.
This is absolutely the best ginger molasses cookies! They always turn out perfect. I make them every year for Christmas. As gifts and as gifts for our own home. Fantastic!
Thank you so much, Doris! I’m so glad that they’ve become a Christmas tradition. I hope you have a wonderful holiday
I love those cookies .
I make these cookies all the time in the Fall. They’re always a favorite! So delicious and easy.
So easy to make and absolutely delicious! Soft, chewy, bursting with warm spices….oh, so good. Thanks for a great recipe. Can’t wait to try more from your blog.
I made this recipe now twice and both times the dough did not spread out while cooking. It stayed in a ball shape. I did keep the dough in the fridge overnight. Would this have caused it? Flavor is delicious though!
Family Favorite!
Can i freeze these after baking or freeze in balls before baking?
You can do either. I often freeze the cookie dough balls (after rolling them in sugar). Then when you’re ready to bake, you just need to preheat the oven and line your cookie trays. Make sure that you don’t thaw the cookie dough balls before baking.
Does the cooking time change if they’re frozen? I’ve made these fresh before (amazing!) But want to freeze the balls this time in advance of a cookie exchange party Saturday. Just wondering what cooking time change I should expect!
They may need a minute or 2 more. They can be baked at the same temperature.
The best. I add chopped candied ginger pieces.
These cookies are delicious. Followed the recipe as is. Next time I will chill longer than 30 minutes.
Thses cookies are so soft even the 2nd and 3rd day if they last that long. Not gooey soft but jhst the right texture..they are scrumptious
Oh my goodness.these are so good. And easy to make.30 min in refrigerator is necessary but oh they were good. I don’t think I would buy store bought ones again.
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe
I don’t have ground cloves. Will they still be good without them?
I prefer the flavor with ground cloves – but the cookies will definitely still turn out and be delicious without them!
Flavour wise they’re delicious, but, I followed the recipe to a T, and my cookies came out flat as a pancake. Ingredients are all fresh, so that wasn’t the issue. I have no clue where I went wrong. They’ll still get eaten though since, as mentioned they are delicious
Wonderful fall cookie, full of warm, spicey deliciousness!