These Gingerbread Molasses Cookies are soft, spicy treats that fill your home with the warm scent of cinnamon and ginger. They’re perfect for holidays or any cozy day!
I love how these cookies bring back sweet memories of childhood. It’s hard to eat just one—you might end up nibbling the whole batch! Just be ready to share, or not! 😄
Making these cookies is a fun family activity. I enjoy decorating them with icing and sprinkles. They make a festive treat that’s great for sharing with friends and family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cookies. For a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it has xanthan gum for the right texture.
Ground spices: Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg bring that classic gingerbread flavor. If you’re out of cloves, you can skip them, or use allspice as an alternative for a similar taste.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, replace it with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Molasses: This ingredient adds rich flavor and moisture. If you don’t have molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup in a pinch, though they will change the taste slightly.
Sugar: Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar adds a lovely sparkle. For a lower-calorie option, consider using a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol.
How Do I Get Perfectly Soft Cookies?
Chilling the dough is key to getting that soft, chewy texture. Here’s how to master it:
- After mixing your ingredients, cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
- Allow it to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours; overnight is even better!
- This not only makes the dough easier to handle but also lets the flavors develop fully.
When baking, keep an eye on the time. Overbaking will make them crunchy, while a touch underbaked makes them soft and chewy. A good rule of thumb is to take them out when the edges look set but the center is still a bit soft. They’ll firm up as they cool!
Enjoy making these delightful cookies!
Gingerbread Molasses Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
Get ready for some baking fun! This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and mix the ingredients. Then, you’ll need to chill the dough for at least 2 hours, or you can do it overnight if you like. The baking itself takes about 8-10 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish, with most of that time being for chilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dry Mix:
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are well combined and helps with even distribution. Set the bowl aside for now.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix it until it becomes light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is important because it helps give the cookies a nice texture!
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Now, beat in the large egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture until everything is well combined. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to get all the ingredients mixed in together.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies may become tough!
5. Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. This helps develop the flavors and makes it easier to roll the dough into balls.
6. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. The parchment helps prevent sticking!
7. Form the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat them. This adds a sweet crunch and sparkle!
8. Arrange on Baking Sheets:
Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheets. With the palm of your hand, gently flatten each ball slightly for even baking.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. They should have set edges and a slightly cracked top. The center will still be soft, which is just perfect!
10. Cool and Serve:
After removing from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them crisp up a bit.
11. Optional Dusting:
If you like, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness!
Enjoy these cozy, spicy gingerbread molasses cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea! They are perfect for sharing during the holidays or any time of the year when you crave something comforting and delicious.
Can I Substitute Ingredients in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have all-purpose flour, a gluten-free flour blend works well. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. For molasses, honey or maple syrup can be good substitutes, though they may change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Make These Cookies Chewy?
The secret to chewy cookies is in the baking time! Remove them from the oven while they are still soft in the center; they will firm up as they cool. Additionally, make sure to chill the dough properly, as this helps maintain the moisture.
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Yes, you can! Once baked and cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them at room temperature for a delightful treat whenever you want!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them, but they may become a bit firmer.
