Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these soft chewy ginger molasses cookies! They’re like little bites of holiday magic, but honestly, I whip them up for any occasion because they’re just that good! The way the warm spices fill your kitchen while they bake? It’s simply heavenly. I remember the first time I made them for a cozy family gathering. The moment they came out of the oven, my entire family rushed into the kitchen, drawn by that irresistible aroma. We ended up devouring almost the whole batch in one sitting! Trust me, whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a quiet night in, or needing a sweet treat to share, these cookies are always a hit. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor—just perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients for Soft Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients for these cookies is super important, and I promise, it’s worth every bit of effort! Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful treats:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of our cookies, giving them that perfect structure.
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger – This packs a spicy punch that makes these cookies sing!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and sweetness, making each bite cozy.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – Just a hint of clove brings depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – This helps our cookies rise and gives them that classic chewy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – A little salt enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors beautifully.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is the magic ingredient that makes them rich and buttery!
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetness is key, and this will also help create that lovely crispy edge.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – For added moisture and that deep, caramel-like flavor.
- 1 large egg – This binds everything together for a perfect cookie dough.
- 1/4 cup molasses – The star of the show, giving the cookies their signature flavor and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla for that warm, inviting aroma.
Make sure you have everything on hand before you start baking, so you can enjoy the process without any interruptions! Happy baking!
How to Prepare Soft Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven fired up to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This little step is key because it prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup! Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to scrape off burnt bits!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. This is where the magic begins! Mixing the dry ingredients ensures that all those lovely spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Plus, it helps to aerate the flour, giving your cookies that perfect chewy texture. Give it a good whisk for about 30 seconds—you want it to be well combined!
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until it’s creamy and light. I usually use my trusty hand mixer for this—it’s so much fun to watch it transform! You’re looking for a fluffy consistency here, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, making your cookies melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to add in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Beat everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. Don’t rush this part! The molasses is what gives these cookies their signature flavor and that lovely chewiness. I always find myself sneaking a taste of the batter—just can’t resist!
Form the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into balls about 1 inch in size. Roll each ball in some granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet. This sugar coating will give your cookies a delightful sparkle and a bit of sweetness on the outside. Don’t worry if the dough feels a little sticky; that’s just part of the charm!
Baking Time
Pop those cookie sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is essential—trust me, they’ll firm up beautifully, and you’ll be left with perfectly soft, chewy cookies!
Tips for Success with Soft Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
Alright, let’s make sure you nail these soft chewy ginger molasses cookies! Here are my top tips for cookie perfection:
- Chill the Dough: If you have a little time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before forming the cookies. This helps them maintain their shape and enhances the flavors—plus, the spices really get to mingle!
- Adjust the Spices: Don’t be afraid to play around with the spice levels! If you love a stronger ginger flavor, add a little more ginger. Or if you want a hint of nutmeg, toss that in too—make it your own!
- Watch the Baking: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. Oven times can vary, and you want to catch them just as the edges are set. They’ll continue to cook a bit once out of the oven!
- Store Properly: To keep them soft, store your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. It adds moisture and keeps them chewy for days!
With these tips, your cookies will be the talk of the town. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional values for these delightful soft chewy ginger molasses cookies. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
These cookies are a sweet treat that you can enjoy without too much guilt! Just remember to savor them in moderation!
FAQ About Soft Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
If you’re new to baking these soft chewy ginger molasses cookies, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, but keep in mind it may change the texture slightly, making them a bit denser. I usually do half and half for a nice balance!
How do I store the cookies to keep them soft?
To keep your cookies chewy, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. This little trick adds moisture and helps maintain that perfect soft texture. They’ll stay fresh for about a week!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough before baking. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
What can I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be because your dough is too warm or you didn’t chill it enough. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps them hold their shape beautifully!
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Of course! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit. It’s a fun way to personalize your cookies while still keeping that lovely ginger molasses flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Warm, cozy spices that fill your home with a delightful aroma.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients that you probably already have.
- Perfect for any occasion—these cookies will impress friends and family alike.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
- Store well, so you can enjoy them for days (if they last that long!).
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your soft chewy ginger molasses cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the cookies by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge! If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They’ll be just like fresh out of the oven!
Serving Suggestions for Soft Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
These soft chewy ginger molasses cookies are perfect on their own, but why not elevate your cookie experience? Pair them with a warm cup of chai or a cozy mug of hot cocoa for a delightful afternoon treat. They also shine when served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream—imagine the warm cookie melting into the ice cream for a dreamy dessert! If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top or sprinkle with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. No matter how you serve them, they’re sure to be a hit!
Print
Soft Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft chewy ginger molasses cookies that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Form dough into balls and roll in sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are set.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For added flavor, chill the dough before baking.
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: ginger cookies, molasses cookies, chewy cookies
