Soft and Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

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The aroma of warm spices fills the air as I pull these soft and chewy ginger molasses cookies from the oven, their crackly tops glistening with sugar like freshly fallen snow. Growing up, my mom would bake these every holiday season, and the first bite always transported me to a world of cozy comfort. The ginger flavor balanced with sweet dark molasses is simply irresistible. 

I remember sneaking cookies from the cooling rack while she wasn’t looking, knowing full well they were meant for gifts. Today, I’m thrilled to share this family favorite with you, perfect for cookie exchanges or just indulging in a nostalgic treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These soft molasses cookies are:

• Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves for a rich flavor.
• Boasting a chewy texture that stays soft for days.
• Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or family gatherings.
• Easy to prepare with basic pantry ingredients like all-purpose flour and baking soda.

Whether you’re a fan of gingerbread cookies or looking for the best molasses cookies to bake this season, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

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The Story Behind the Dish

Molasses cookies have been a staple in American baking for centuries, with their roots deeply intertwined with the history of blackstrap molasses, a byproduct of the sugar refining process. In the 1800s, as sugarcane plantations flourished in the Americas, blackstrap molasses became widely available and affordable, often serving as a substitute for more expensive sweeteners like sugar or honey. This thick, dark syrup, known for its robust and slightly bitter flavor, quickly became a kitchen essential, finding its way into recipes for baked goods, beverages, and even savory dishes.

Molasses cookies, crafted with this versatile ingredient, emerged as a soft, sweet, and chewy counterpart to the more robust gingerbread cookies. While gingerbread leaned on a firmer texture and often decorative appeal, molasses cookies offered a simpler, more comforting indulgence. Their spice-filled profile, enhanced by ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, made them particularly beloved during the colder months, when warm flavors were most appreciated.

The holiday season played a significant role in cementing molasses cookies as a cherished treat. Their inviting aroma and rich taste became synonymous with festive gatherings and family traditions. Over time, these cookies transitioned from being a humble household staple to a nostalgic symbol of simpler times. Passed down through generations, molasses cookies continue to evoke warmth, togetherness, and the enduring charm of old-fashioned baking, ensuring their place in the legacy of classic American desserts.

Equipment List

• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing the wet ingredients.
• Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment: Eases the creaming process for butter and sugar.
• Small Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie dough balls for even bake time.
• Cookie Sheets: Ideal for baking without sticking.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Cooling Rack: Allows the cookies to cool evenly, maintaining their chewy texture.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

• Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter ensures a creamy texture.
• White Sugar: Sweetens and adds the signature crackly tops.
• Dark Molasses: Adds depth and a slightly caramelized sweetness.
• Large Eggs: Provides structure and richness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the cookie dough.
• Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, and Cloves: Warm spices that define the ginger flavor.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise for a perfect texture.
• Chopped Pecans: Adds a delightful crunch (optional but recommended).
• Coarse Sugar: Creates a sparkly finish on the cookies.

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How to Make Soft and Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

• Prep Your Equipment: Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Cream the Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the room temperature butter and sugar on low speed until light and fluffy.
• Add the Flavor Boosters: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and molasses until fully combined. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl and the bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed.
• Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
• Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. Fold in the chopped pecans if using.
• Shape and Coat: Use a small cookie scoop to form tablespoons of dough into balls. Roll each ball in coarse sugar for a crackly, sparkly finish.

• Bake to Perfection: Place the cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2½ inches apart. Bake for 7–9 minutes, or until the tops are crackly and edges have crisp edges.
• Cool and Enjoy: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Chef Secrets & Tips

• Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature to allow for even creaming with the sugar. Cold butter won’t incorporate properly, while overly softened or melted butter can make the dough too greasy, affecting the cookie’s texture.
• Measuring Cup Technique: Accurately measure your flour by fluffing it with a spoon, scooping it into your measuring cup, and leveling it off with a straight edge. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can compact the flour, leading to dense cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: The secret to chewy cookies lies in underbaking slightly. Remove them from the oven when the centers still look soft and the edges are just set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Blackstrap Molasses Substitution: For a deeper, richer flavor, you can use blackstrap molasses instead of dark molasses. Keep in mind that blackstrap is more robust and slightly bitter, so it’s best for those who enjoy a more intense molasses flavor.
• Rolling in Sugar: Use coarse sugar or turbinado sugar for rolling the dough balls. The larger crystals create a delightful crunch and a sparkling finish, elevating the cookie's presentation.
• Add Spice Variations: For a more personalized flavor, experiment with additional spices like cardamom or nutmeg. A pinch of freshly ground black pepper can also add a subtle kick to complement the sweetness.
• Pecan Enhancement: Toast the pecans lightly before folding them into the dough to deepen their nutty flavor and add a subtle crunch to the cookies.
• Check Your Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is truly at 400°F. Even slight variations can impact baking time and texture.
• Use a Small Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookies that bake evenly, scoop dough with a small cookie scoop. This helps maintain consistent sizing and ensures every cookie is baked to perfection.
• Prevent Sticking: If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the cookie sheet or use a silicone baking mat to ensure easy cookie removal.
• Cooling Rack Strategy: Let cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without breaking while still maintaining their chewy texture.
• Storage Hack for Softness: If you want to keep your cookies ultra-soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of fresh bread. The bread’s moisture will keep the cookies fresh longer without altering their flavor.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes! Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a cookie sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

Q: Why are my cookies not chewy?
A: Overbaking or using too much flour can result in dry cookies. Be sure to measure your flour accurately and stick to the bake time.

Q: Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
A: Absolutely! A hand mixer works well; just ensure you scrape the sides of the bowl frequently.

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Storage & Reheating Tips

• Storing: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a cookie sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 5–10 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

These soft molasses cookies are a family favorite, and I hope they become yours too! Whether you're baking for the holiday season or just craving a warm cookie with a chewy texture, this recipe is perfect for all occasions. Enjoy every bite of these nostalgic, spicy molasses cookies!

More Holiday Favorites!

Pecan Pie

Rich, buttery, and delightfully sweet, pecan pie is a true holiday classic that captures the essence of Southern comfort food. With a golden, flaky crust cradling a luscious filling made from caramelized brown sugar, butter, and eggs, topped with crunchy toasted pecans, every bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate festive indulgence.

Buttermilk Pie

Buttermilk pie is a beloved Southern tradition, offering a custard-like filling that’s tangy, creamy, and perfectly sweet. The golden top forms a slight crackle while the silky interior melts in your mouth, creating a simple yet irresistibly decadent treat. This pie’s humble ingredients—eggs, sugar, butter, and buttermilk—combine to make it a timeless favorite on holiday tables, best enjoyed with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of cinnamon for added warmth.

Czech Apple Strudel

Czech apple strudel is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and nuts, capturing the nostalgic flavors of the holiday season. The thin, crisp layers of dough are rolled around the filling, creating a beautifully swirled centerpiece that’s both rustic and elegant. Each slice is bursting with warm cinnamon and sweet apple goodness, making it a cherished dessert for cozy family gatherings or festive celebrations.

Carrot Cake

My mom's carrot cake is a moist, spiced masterpiece that feels like a hug on a plate during the holidays. Shredded carrots and crushed pineapple add natural sweetness and moist texture, while warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg infuse the cake with cozy charm. The crowning glory is a luscious cream cheese frosting, tangy and velvety, layered generously between and atop the tender cake. Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a festive finish that makes this dessert a true showstopper.