Soft • Chewy • Spiced • Classic Holiday Cookie
⭐ Introduction
Ginger molasses cookies are one of the most iconic Christmas cookies. Their crackly tops, rich molasses flavor, and warm spices — ginger, cinnamon, cloves — make them irresistible. These cookies stay soft for days and fill your home with the nostalgic aroma of the holidays.
This recipe gives you everything: history, ingredients, benefits, lovers, methods, and a perfect conclusion.
📚 History
Molasses cookies trace back to early American colonial times when molasses was cheaper than sugar. Gingerbread traditions mixed with molasses baking, creating the beloved “ginger molasses cookie” we enjoy today — especially at Christmas.
🌟 Benefits
✔ Easy to make
✔ Stays soft for a week
✔ Freezer-friendly dough
✔ Perfect for gifting
✔ Warm holiday flavor
✔ Uses simple ingredients
🥣 Ingredients (Makes ~24 cookies)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (80g) molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Rolling
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
🍳 Instructions
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
✔ flour
✔ ginger
✔ cinnamon
✔ cloves
✔ nutmeg
✔ baking soda
✔ salt
2. Cream Butter & Sugar
In another bowl:
- Beat butter and sugar until fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add the egg and mix well.
- Add molasses and vanilla; beat until smooth.
3. Combine
Add the dry mixture into the wet mixture.
Mix just until a soft dough forms.
Cover and chill 1 hour (important for thicker cookies!).
4. Shape & Coat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop dough into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball in sugar.
- Place on a lined baking sheet — leave space for spreading.
5. Bake
Bake 9–11 minutes until:
✔ Edges set
✔ Tops crackly
✔ Centers still soft
Don’t overbake — they firm up as they cool!
6. Cool
Let cookies cool 5 minutes on tray, then transfer to a rack.
🧪 Methods (Variations)
1. Extra Chewy Version
Add 1 extra tablespoon of molasses.
2. Spicy Version
Increase ginger to 1 tbsp and add a pinch of black pepper.
3. Sugary Holiday Sparkle
Use coarse sugar or sanding sugar for coating.
4. Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies
Fill with cream cheese frosting for the ultimate holiday treat.
5. Gluten-Free Version
Replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
❤️ Lovers of This Recipe
These cookies are adored by:
• Christmas baking fans
• Gingerbread lovers
• Kids (super soft!)
• Tea and coffee lovers
• Anyone who loves warm spice cookies
🎁 Conclusion
Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies are the essence of holiday baking — soft, chewy, warmly spiced, and incredibly comforting. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a holiday party, or enjoying them with a warm drink, these cookies bring joy with every bite.