There’s something truly magical about baking Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies during the holiday season—the way the warm spices fill the air, the gentle sweetness of molasses, and the golden, crinkly tops that promise a chewy bite. Inspired by Gimme Some Oven, these classic molasses cookies perfectly balance comfort and flavor, embodying the spirit of holiday baking. In this article, you’ll discover the heartwarming story behind these cookies, the ingredients that make them irresistible, easy step-by-step instructions, expert baking tips, creative variations, and a helpful FAQ to guide you in baking your own batch of festive ginger molasses cookies.
Why Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite
A Memory Baked Into Every Chewy Cookie
Every family has that one cookie recipe that smells like home, and for many, ginger molasses cookies carry that legacy. Imagine a cozy kitchen on a snowy afternoon: the soft hum of holiday music in the background, the glow of twinkle lights flickering against frosted windows, and the warm scent of ginger and cinnamon swirling through the air. The dough is dark and fragrant, sticky from the molasses, and each ball rolled in sugar sparkles like freshly fallen snow.
As the cookies bake, the house fills with nostalgia. The anticipation is half the joy—pressing your face near the oven window, waiting for those cookies to puff up and crack, signaling that they’re just about ready. Then comes that first bite: the edges lightly crisp, the center rich and chewy, the spices wrapping you in comfort. Baking chewy ginger molasses cookies becomes more than just a holiday task—it’s a ritual of love, a memory stitched into the season itself. Whether shared at a cookie exchange or gifted in a tin tied with festive ribbon, these cookies bring people together, celebrating the sweetness of tradition and the joy of giving.
What sets the Gimme Some Oven version of Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies apart is the way it captures that nostalgic flavor while ensuring consistency every single time. The recipe is designed for the perfect texture—soft in the center, delightfully chewy, and rolled in shimmering sugar that gives just the right hint of crunch. The blend of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves harmonizes beautifully with the deep, caramel-like flavor of molasses, resulting in cookies that taste like pure holiday comfort.
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chewy ginger molasses cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These chewy ginger molasses cookies offer a perfect balance of warm spices and deep molasses sweetness, making them an ideal treat for holiday baking. The cookies feature crackly sugar-coated tops and remain soft and tender days after baking.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour baking soda ground ginger cinnamon cloves and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg and molasses and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Cover dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes.
7. Roll dough into tablespoon sized balls and coat each in granulated sugar.
8. Place dough balls two inches apart on prepared sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until tops are cracked.
9. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for five minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 20
Keywords: ginger molasses cookies, chewy cookies, holiday baking, molasses cookies, spiced cookies, christmas cookies, easy cookie recipe
The Recipe – Ingredients, Tools, and Step-by-Step Directions
Ingredients That Build the Perfect Chewy Cookie
Creating the ultimate Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies begins with understanding how each ingredient contributes to that irresistible soft and chewy bite. Each element plays a role—molasses brings depth and moisture, brown sugar adds caramel-like richness, and spices tie everything together in a symphony of flavor. For authentic holiday baking, using fresh spices and premium unsulfured molasses makes all the difference.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¼ cups | Provides structure for the cookies |
| Baking soda | 2 teaspoons | Helps the cookies spread and rise |
| Ground ginger | 1 ½ teaspoons | Adds warm spice and characteristic bite |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | Balances the ginger with cozy sweetness |
| Ground cloves | ½ teaspoon | Deepens the spice profile with a hint of warmth |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | Enhances all the flavors |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) | Creates a rich, chewy texture |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup (packed) | Adds moisture and deeper sweetness |
| Egg | 1 large | Binds ingredients and contributes structure |
| Molasses (unsulfured) | ¼ cup | The key to that deep flavor and dark color |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | For rolling cookie dough before baking |
Optional Variations:
- Add ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg for extra spice complexity.
- Incorporate ½ cup of chopped crystallized ginger for texture and bold ginger flavor.
- Use coconut oil and flax “egg” substitutes to make vegan-friendly ginger molasses cookies.
Each ingredient works harmoniously to create a dough that’s pliable, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between sweetness and spice. The brown sugar and molasses keep the center moist even days after baking—one of the signatures of truly great chewy ginger molasses cookies.
How to Bake the Chewiest Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a medium bowl.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and molasses; the dough will darken and release a sweet, toasty aroma.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined to avoid toughness.
- Chill the Dough: Cover and chill for 30–45 minutes. This step ensures thicker, chewier cookies.
- Shape and Roll in Sugar: Roll tablespoon-sized dough balls in granulated sugar for a sparkly coating.
- Bake: Arrange on baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake 8–10 minutes until puffed and cracked but slightly soft in the middle.
- Cool: Let cookies rest 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling.
Pro Tips: Rotate trays halfway through for even baking. Test by gently pressing a center—it should spring back softly. Store in airtight containers up to one week for best chewiness.
Tips, Variations, and Troubleshooting Your Molasses Cookies
Easy Tips for Baking Perfect Ginger Molasses Cookies Every Time
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue to cook as they cool.
- Chill the Dough: A short chill time ensures rich, chewy centers and prevents over-spreading.
- Use Fresh Spices: Replace old spice jars yearly for the boldest flavor.
- Control the Sugar Coating: Roll lightly for soft surfaces or generously for a crisp contrast.
- Store for Softness: Add a slice of bread to the container to maintain chewy texture.
- Adjust Spice Levels: More ginger for zing, less clove for mild sweetness—make the recipe your own.
Fun Variations and Flavor Twists to Try
- White Chocolate Dipped Cookies: Dip cooled cookies in melted white chocolate and let them set on parchment for a wintry, elegant touch.
- Espresso-Infused Spice Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to intensify the molasses richness.
- Cream-Filled Sandwiches: Spread vanilla or cream cheese frosting between two cookies for indulgent treats.
- Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest for brightness and contrast.
- Crystallized Ginger: Fold in chopped crystallized ginger pieces for extra chew and spice.
- Gluten-Free & Vegan: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and use coconut oil plus a flax egg.
- Sea Salt Sprinkle: A pinch of flaky salt on top adds balanced sophistication.
Whether you keep them traditional or remix them with creative flavors, these molasses cookies celebrate everything that makes holiday baking so special—comfort, creativity, and shared joy.
FAQ and Conclusion – Your Ginger Molasses Cookie Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you keep ginger molasses cookies soft after baking?
Store completely cooled cookies in airtight containers with a small piece of bread or apple slice to retain moisture. Never refrigerate, as that dries them out. Stored properly, chewy ginger molasses cookies stay soft for up to a week.
2. Can you freeze the dough or baked cookies?
Yes. Freeze dough balls coated in sugar on a tray until solid, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding one or two extra minutes. Frozen baked cookies thaw beautifully at room temperature.
3. How much molasses should you use for a strong flavor?
Use ¼ cup per batch for balanced depth. For stronger flavor, add 1 tablespoon more molasses, though this can make dough stickier. Always use unsulfured molasses for a smooth taste.
4. Why did my cookies turn out hard instead of chewy?
They were likely overbaked or had too much flour. Remove when centers are still soft and measure flour carefully using the spoon-and-level method.
5. What’s the best way to store them for holiday gifting?
Stack cooled cookies between parchment in tins or boxes. For shipping, wrap tightly in plastic and cushion inside sturdy containers. Their flavor actually deepens after a day, making them great make-ahead gifts.
The Cozy Classic You’ll Bake Year After Year
Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies from Gimme Some Oven capture the essence of holiday baking—tender centers, caramel sweetness, and just the right dose of spice. Every chewy bite recalls warmth, laughter, and those glowing kitchen moments shared with friends and family.
Whether you enjoy them plain, dipped in chocolate, or sandwiched with frosting, these ginger molasses cookies never fail to spread cheer. So heat the oven, unwrap the butter, and let that unforgettable aroma fill your home once more—because some desserts deserve a place in your holiday tradition year after year.
