Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

When it comes to comforting, flavorful cookies, Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies are a timeless favorite. With their warm, spicy ginger flavor combined with the rich sweetness of molasses, these cookies are a must-have during the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just indulging in a sweet treat yourself, these ginger molasses cookies will bring joy to every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Ginger Molasses Cookies

These cookies are a true crowd-pleaser, with a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. The perfect balance of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and a touch of cloves makes them irresistible. The sugar coating adds a delightful crunch to each bite, enhancing the flavor and giving them an extra touch of sweetness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

How to Make Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Molasses and Egg
Add the egg and molasses to the butter mixture, and beat until fully combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until the dough is fully combined.

6. Roll the Dough into Balls
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.

7. Bake the Cookies
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly firm and the centers are still soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

8. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their soft and chewy texture.

Tips for Perfect Ginger Molasses Cookies

• Room temperature butter: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming with the sugar for a smooth texture.
• Chill the dough: If you want thicker cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Don’t overbake: To maintain their chewy texture, take the cookies out of the oven when the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft.
• Spices adjustment: Adjust the amount of ginger or cinnamon based on your personal preference for a stronger or milder flavor.

Serving and Storing

These Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies are perfect for a holiday cookie exchange, as a gift, or just as a cozy treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or hot chocolate. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies are the ultimate comfort food, with their perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and chewy texture. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bake a batch of these delicious cookies that everyone will love!

Serving and Storage Tips for Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

Serving Tips:

• Perfect Pairings: These ginger molasses cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. The spices in the cookies complement the warmth of your favorite beverage, making them a perfect choice for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings.
• Cookie Platter: For a festive touch, arrange these cookies on a holiday-themed platter with other treats like sugar cookies or shortbread. They will be a hit at any party or cookie exchange.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Make a fun twist by turning these cookies into ice cream sandwiches. Simply place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delicious dessert.
• Gifting: These cookies make for a lovely homemade gift. Pack them in a decorative tin or a festive box for a thoughtful treat that will be appreciated by friends, family, or colleagues.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store your Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will help maintain their soft and chewy texture.
• Freezing: To keep them fresh for a longer period, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: If you freeze the cookies, simply allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This will bring them back to their soft, chewy texture.
• Avoiding Staleness: To prevent the cookies from becoming dry, store them with a slice of bread in the container. The bread will help maintain moisture and keep the cookies fresh longer.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time. Simply cover the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Chilling the dough can also help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in thicker cookies. When ready to bake, roll the dough into balls, coat them in sugar, and proceed with baking as directed.

2. Can I use a substitute for molasses?
Molasses is a key ingredient in these cookies, providing both flavor and texture. If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will be slightly different. For the closest result, try using dark brown sugar as it has a rich, molasses-like taste, though it won’t replicate the depth of flavor molasses provides.

3. How can I make these cookies spicier?
If you love extra spice, you can increase the amount of ground ginger or cinnamon in the recipe. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra cloves can also intensify the warmth and depth of the cookie’s flavor. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much spice can overpower the other flavors.

4. Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to a few reasons: the dough may have been too warm when placed on the baking sheet, or the butter might have been too soft. To prevent this, make sure the dough is chilled before baking, and ensure the butter is softened, not melted. Additionally, don’t forget to space the dough balls properly on the baking sheet to give them room to spread.

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