There’s something timeless and comforting about Old-Fashioned Ginger Molasses Cookies—a nostalgic treat that fills your kitchen with the rich aroma of warm spices and sweet molasses. These cookies are soft and chewy with just the right amount of crackle on top, thanks to a perfect blend of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. The deep, earthy flavor of molasses pairs beautifully with the spices, creating a cookie that’s bold, cozy, and perfect for the holidays—or any time you need a little warmth in your day. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or shared at a cookie swap, these classic cookies never go out of style.
They made my whole kitchen smell like Christmas!
– Carly
Why You’ll Love Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Perfectly Spiced: A cozy blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves gives these cookies their signature warmth and depth.
- Incredibly Soft & Chewy: With a tender center and just the right amount of crisp on the edges, the texture is pure cookie perfection.
- Rich Molasses Flavor: The dark, slightly smoky sweetness of molasses adds a nostalgic, old-fashioned charm to every bite.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a no-fuss method make this recipe ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.
- Holiday Favorite: These cookies are a must-have for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights by the fire.
Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe Ingredients
Butter – Adds richness and moisture, creating a soft, tender cookie base.
White sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps create a slightly crisp exterior.
Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds structure and softness.
Molasses – Provides deep, rich flavor and a chewy texture with a hint of old-fashioned sweetness.
Water – Loosens the dough slightly for better mixing and consistency.
All-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the cookies and balances the wet ingredients.
Ginger – Delivers the signature warm, spicy kick that defines this classic cookie.
Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and spread evenly while baking.
Cinnamon – Adds a sweet, warming spice that complements the ginger and molasses.
Cloves – Brings a bold, aromatic depth that enhances the overall spice profile.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors of the spices and molasses.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
Step 1
Gather ingredients. Cream together butter and white sugar.
Step 2
Beat in eggs until creamy.
Step 3
Add molasses and water until well incorporated.
Step 4
Sift together flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda and salt.
Step 5
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
Step 6
Scoop and roll in shallow bowl of white sugar topping.
Step 7
Drop onto parchment lined baking sheet.
Step 8
Flatten gently with the back of a fork.
Step 9
Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack for cooling.
Rich, deep flavor.
– Sam
Storage for Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
Room Temperature (Best for 4–5 Days)
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Place wax or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Add a slice of bread or apple to the container to help maintain moisture and keep cookies soft.
Refrigeration (Up to 1 Week)
- If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the cookies in a sealed container.
- Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to restore their soft texture.
Freezing (Up to 3 Months)
Cookie Dough: Scoop dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Once solid, store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time. a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Baked Cookies: Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Pro Tips for Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Use room temperature ingredients: Softened butter and room-temp eggs blend more evenly, creating a smoother dough and better texture.
- Don’t skip the chilling (if time allows): Chilling the dough for 30–60 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the spice flavor.
- Roll in sugar before baking: Coating the dough balls in granulated sugar adds a beautiful crackled finish and a subtle crunch.
- Scoop evenly: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size, which helps the cookies bake evenly and look professional.
- Watch the bake time: Remove cookies when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft—they’ll finish setting as they cool.
Flavor & Texture Enhancers
Add a sugar crust: For extra sparkle and texture, roll the dough in coarse sugar like turbinado before baking.
Use dark molasses: For a deeper, richer flavor, opt for dark (not blackstrap) molasses.
Adjust spices to taste: Love extra spice? Add a pinch more ginger or cinnamon for a bolder kick.
Ginger Molasses Cookies
Equipment
- Cookie sheet
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 1/4 cups All Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
Cookie Coating
- 2 tbsp white sugar
Instructions
- Cream together butter and white sugar
- Beat in eggs until creamy
- Add molasses and water until well incorporated
- Sift together flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda and salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture
- Scoop and roll in shallow bowl of white sugar topping
- Drop onto parchment lined baking sheet
- Flatten gently with the back of a fork
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack for cooling.
Notes
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