Ginger Molasses Cookies
Ginger molasses cookies offer spicy warmth and rich sweetness, with chewy centers and crisp edges, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- With an electric mixer set at medium low speed, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in egg and molasses until well combined.
- Reduce speed to low and gradually beat in the flour mixture until just incorporated.
- Chill the dough until firm, about 1 hour.
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the dough into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls.
- Roll the balls in granulated sugar and place about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake until edges just start to brown, about 15 minutes.
- Cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the dough. If you prefer a softer cookie, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes. For those who need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to chill the dough, as this helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Ginger Molasses Cookies are delightful on their own, but pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie trays, alongside treats like Mary'S Sugar Cookies or American recipes featuring spices.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ginger Molasses Cookies contains roughly 1007 calories, with 18g protein, 217g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (65% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1572mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before shaping into balls.
What can I substitute for molasses?
If you don't have molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute, although it will slightly alter the flavor and texture. For a similar taste, a mix of brown sugar and a bit of dark corn syrup can work as well.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are just starting to brown, but the centers may still look soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the cookie sheet. Avoid overbaking for the best chewy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).