Ginger Molasses Cookies – Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Spiced

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about biting into a soft and chewy ginger molasses cookie. It takes you right back to cozy evenings, warm blankets, and the smell of spices filling the kitchen. These cookies are the kind that make you pause mid-bite and say, “Wow.” And trust me, once you make them, they’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe box.

This recipe is everything a cookie should be—soft in the center, slightly crisp around the edges, and bursting with bold flavors from molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. The richness of the molasses adds depth and moisture, while the blend of warm spices creates that signature ginger cookie kick. These aren’t your average sugar cookies; they’re the kind of treat that brings people back for seconds… and maybe thirds.

I first started making these during a snowstorm a few winters ago. I had limited ingredients on hand and a serious craving for something cozy. With just some pantry staples, a single egg, and a little creativity, this recipe came to life. Since then, these cookies have made their way into holiday treat boxes, rainy day comfort sessions, and just about every tea party I’ve hosted.

The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. This is a no-fuss, beginner-friendly recipe that comes together easily and bakes up beautifully. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want something sweet and spiced to snack on, these cookies are a perfect choice.

They’re a little crispy on the edges, soft and chewy in the middle, and full of warm, cozy flavors that make them ideal for autumn, winter, or honestly—any time of year. Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of spiced cookies, because this recipe is about to become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are a million cookie recipes out there, but these soft and chewy ginger molasses cookies stand out from the crowd. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with them from the very first bite.

First and foremost, the texture is absolutely dreamy. These cookies have that perfect balance of soft, chewy centers and slightly crisp edges. They’re not cakey or crumbly—just perfectly dense and tender, thanks to the molasses and the way the dough holds moisture. That chewiness lingers just long enough to let the flavors unfold with every bite.

The flavor profile is another huge win. The combination of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves is warm, spicy, and just sweet enough. Molasses brings a rich, almost smoky sweetness that perfectly complements the sharpness of the ginger and the earthiness of cinnamon and cloves. You get layers of flavor in each bite, not just a flat sugary taste.

What’s also fantastic is how incredibly easy this recipe is. No chilling time, no complicated steps, no unusual ingredients. You mix your wet and dry ingredients separately, combine them, scoop, and bake. It’s straightforward and stress-free, making it a great recipe for beginners or those short on time.

These cookies are also super versatile. They’re a holiday must-have, but they’re equally welcome on a rainy Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea or warm milk. You can dress them up with a drizzle of glaze or a sprinkle of sugar before baking if you want to fancy them up, or keep them rustic and classic as-is.

On top of everything else, they store well and taste just as good a few days later—if they even last that long. They’re also freezer-friendly, so you can make a double batch and have a stash ready for whenever a cookie craving hits.

Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these cookies deliver every single time. They’re comforting, full of personality, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your home, just like they have in mine.

Health Benefits

While cookies aren’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think of health food, these ginger molasses cookies actually come with a few surprising health benefits, thanks to the ingredients that give them their signature flavor.

Let’s start with molasses. Unlike refined sugar, molasses is a byproduct of sugar refining that retains many of the nutrients found in sugar cane. It contains small amounts of iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B6. While you’re not getting huge amounts in each cookie, it’s still a slightly more nutrient-rich sweetener compared to white sugar. Additionally, molasses adds a depth of flavor that means you don’t need to go overboard on sweetness.

Then there’s ginger, which is one of nature’s best anti-inflammatory and digestion-boosting ingredients. Ground ginger, even in small quantities, has been linked to improved digestion and reduced nausea. It’s also a powerful antioxidant and can help support immune health—perfect for those colder months when your body needs an extra boost.

Cinnamon and cloves, the other spices in this recipe, aren’t just included for flavor. Cinnamon has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, and like ginger, it’s packed with antioxidants. Cloves also contain anti-inflammatory properties and can even help with oral health, which is why clove oil is often found in natural dental products.

While this recipe does contain sugar and butter, it’s all about balance. Making treats at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients. You can opt for organic butter, unbleached flour, and even use a slightly reduced sugar option if you like. Plus, homemade cookies are typically free from the preservatives and artificial ingredients found in store-bought versions.

So while this recipe is definitely a treat, it’s not without its redeeming qualities. Enjoying these cookies in moderation can be part of a balanced lifestyle, and the joy and comfort they bring are good for your mental health too—which is just as important as the physical.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

One of the best things about this ginger molasses cookie recipe is how quick and simple it is. From start to finish, you’re looking at less than half an hour, making it ideal for busy days or spontaneous baking sessions.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of time and servings:

Total Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Bake Time: 8–10 minutes per batch
  • Cooling Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your dough scoops. If you use a standard tablespoon-sized scoop, you’ll easily get two dozen delicious cookies.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):

  • Calories: ~130
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugars: 11g
  • Protein: 1.5g

Keep in mind, these numbers are approximate and can vary depending on the exact size of your cookies and specific brands of ingredients. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can try reducing the granulated sugar slightly, or substitute half with coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option.

What’s especially helpful about this recipe is that it doesn’t require any rest or chill time for the dough. You can go from mixing to baking without any delays, which makes this a great option for when you need a last-minute dessert or want to whip up something cozy without waiting.

Whether you’re baking for yourself or planning to share, this batch size is perfect. Not too many, not too few—and if you need more, the recipe doubles beautifully without any extra fuss.

Ingredients List

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You probably already have most of the ingredients sitting in your pantry. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these cookies to life:

Wet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
    Butter is the foundation of the cookie dough, providing richness and that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Be sure to let it soften at room temperature so it creams easily with the sugar.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    This adds sweetness and helps create those beautiful crackly tops on the cookies. You can use white sugar, or for a more rustic flavor, substitute half with light brown sugar.
  • ½ cup molasses
    Molasses is the star of this recipe. It adds moisture, a deep, almost caramel-like sweetness, and a beautiful dark color. Unsulphured molasses works best for baking.
  • 1 egg
    The egg binds the ingredients together and contributes to the chewy texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature so it incorporates smoothly into the batter.

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    This is your structure. Regular all-purpose flour works great, but you could also experiment with white whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier version.
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
    Baking soda helps the cookies rise and gives them that classic cracked top.
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
    The spice that gives these cookies their signature zing. Ground ginger is a must here—don’t skip it.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    Adds warmth and depth. It blends beautifully with the ginger and molasses.
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
    This spice has a strong, sweet aroma that adds richness and a hint of spice to the cookie.
  • ½ teaspoon salt
    Salt balances the sweetness and brings out all the complex flavors in the spices and molasses.

Optional: You can roll the dough in sugar before baking for extra sparkle and texture. It adds a light crunch on the outside that contrasts beautifully with the chewy center.

As you can see, nothing fancy here—just classic ingredients coming together in the most delicious way possible.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

This recipe comes together in just a few easy steps, and I promise—every part of the process is simple, approachable, and perfect for beginner bakers or anyone who just wants great cookies without the fuss. Let’s walk through it together so you know exactly what to expect and how to get the best results.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before you do anything else, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot when your cookies are ready to bake. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help with even baking. If you have a silicone baking mat, that works great too.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat them together on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This will take about 3 to 5 minutes.

Why does this step matter? Creaming incorporates air into the butter, which helps create a light texture in the final cookie. Make sure your butter is at room temperature—it should yield to gentle pressure but not be greasy or melted.

Step 3: Add the Molasses and Egg
Once your butter and sugar are nicely creamed, add in ½ cup of molasses and 1 room temperature egg. Mix on medium speed until everything is well combined and smooth. The dough will darken and become quite sticky at this point, which is exactly what you want.

Tip: If you’re measuring your molasses in a standard measuring cup, lightly grease the cup first with a bit of oil or cooking spray. This helps the molasses slide right out without sticking.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Make sure everything is well blended so the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step ensures that you don’t get a pocket of too much spice or baking soda in one part of your dough.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. You can use your mixer on low speed or switch to a wooden spoon or spatula at this stage.

The dough will be thick, sticky, and dark. That’s totally normal. Don’t overmix it—you want to stir just until no more dry streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough onto the Baking Sheet
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the dough into evenly sized balls. If you don’t have a scoop, a rounded tablespoon works great. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.

Optional but recommended: Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar before placing it on the tray. This adds a beautiful sparkle and a touch of crunch on the outside once baked.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and just beginning to firm up, but the centers still look slightly soft and puffy.

Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue to cook and set on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven. If they look fully baked in the oven, they may end up too crisp once they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Set
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies sit for about 5 minutes. This gives them time to firm up just enough so they won’t fall apart when you transfer them. Then, use a spatula to gently move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

The aroma at this point will be irresistible, so don’t be surprised if one or two cookies disappear right off the cooling rack.

Optional Add-Ons and Variations

  • For extra texture, you can stir in ½ cup of finely chopped crystallized ginger or nuts like pecans or walnuts.
  • Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze (just powdered sugar and a splash of milk) once cooled for a fancier finish.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an even more complex spice profile.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If your cookies spread too much: Make sure your butter wasn’t too soft or melted. You can also chill the dough for 20 minutes if your kitchen is very warm.
  • If your cookies don’t spread enough: Try slightly flattening the dough balls with the back of a spoon before baking.
  • If the cookies are too crisp: Reduce the bake time by 1 minute and make sure you’re not leaving them on the baking sheet too long after taking them out.

Making these cookies is all about trusting your senses—the way the dough feels, the smell as they bake, the look of the edges just starting to set. Once you’ve made them once, you’ll find your rhythm, and the process will feel as natural as brewing a pot of tea.

Ginger molasses cookies

How to Serve these Ginger molasses cookies

Serving these Ginger molasses cookies can be as casual or creative as you like. They’re delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate them to a whole new level.

Serve Warm from the Oven
Let’s start with the obvious—there is nothing like a freshly baked ginger molasses cookie, still slightly warm and soft in the center. Serve them fresh out of the oven with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or your favorite herbal tea. That warmth combined with the spice creates the ultimate cozy moment.

Create a Dessert Platter
If you’re entertaining or want to make these cookies part of a larger dessert spread, arrange them on a platter with other holiday or spiced treats. They pair beautifully with shortbread cookies, chocolate-dipped pretzels, or a bowl of fresh berries for color and contrast.

Make Ice Cream Sandwiches
For something a little more indulgent, turn these cookies into ice cream sandwiches. Let the cookies cool completely, then scoop a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies and gently press together. Wrap them in parchment and freeze for a bit before serving. The warm spices pair incredibly well with creamy vanilla or even pumpkin ice cream.

Package as Gifts
These cookies also make an excellent homemade gift. Stack a few in a clear bag or a festive tin, tie with a ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade present that everyone will appreciate. Because they stay soft for days, they travel and store well, making them perfect for care packages too.

Serve with Dips or Spreads
For a fun twist, try serving them with a side of flavored cream cheese or a caramel dip. A whipped maple cream cheese spread can be a fun pairing, especially if you’re serving them at brunch or a dessert table.

However you choose to serve them, these cookies bring comfort and joy in every bite.

Pairing Suggestions for these Ginger molasses cookies

Pairing ginger molasses cookies with the right beverages and side treats can really enhance their warm, spiced flavor. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or putting together a dessert table for guests, here are some delicious and cozy ways to pair these cookies.

Beverage Pairings
One of the most classic pairings is a glass of cold milk. The creaminess of the milk contrasts beautifully with the rich, spiced flavor of the cookies, and it’s especially great for kids.

If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll be happy to know that these cookies go wonderfully with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The spices in the cookies enhance the depth of the coffee, especially if you like a dark roast or espresso. A splash of cream or a dash of cinnamon in your coffee can complement the cookie’s flavor even more.

Tea is another fantastic choice. Black teas, like Earl Grey or English Breakfast, have the strength to stand up to the cookie’s bold spices. Herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos offer a softer, more soothing pairing. For something truly seasonal, try them with a chai tea latte—the cinnamon and ginger in both the tea and cookies make them a natural match.

Hot chocolate is also a dreamy partner for these cookies. Dip one into a warm mug of cocoa and let the chocolate melt slightly into the chewy texture—it’s pure comfort.

Side Dish or Dessert Board Additions
When serving on a dessert platter, these cookies work well alongside pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or spiced bundt cake. The flavor profiles are similar, so they create a cohesive and comforting spread.

For a lighter contrast, include some fresh fruit like apple slices, pears, or oranges. The natural sweetness and acidity of the fruit cut through the cookie’s richness.

Cheese pairings may sound unusual, but soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone can actually balance the spicy-sweet cookie beautifully, especially if you’re going for a more sophisticated dessert board.

Spreads and Toppings
You can also serve these cookies with optional toppings like vanilla glaze, cream cheese frosting, or even lemon curd for a tangy twist. These additions add richness or brightness depending on your mood or the occasion.

So whether you’re planning a full dessert table, enjoying a quiet treat with a hot drink, or building a gift box for a friend, these pairing suggestions will help you get the most out of your ginger molasses cookie experience.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions  of these Ginger molasses cookies

One of the many things to love about this Ginger molasses cookies recipe is how well these cookies store and freeze. That means you can bake a big batch now and enjoy them over the next few days—or save some for later. Here’s how to do it right.

Room Temperature Storage
Once the cookies have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days at room temperature. To help keep them extra fresh, you can add a slice of bread to the container. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread and stay soft without drying out.

Refrigerator Storage
Although not necessary, if you prefer to store them in the fridge—perhaps for extra-long freshness—use an airtight container and place them in a single layer, or with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. In the fridge, they’ll last up to 10 days, but keep in mind that refrigerating them may slightly affect their soft texture. To bring them back to life, let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave before serving.

Freezing Baked Cookies
To freeze baked cookies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1–2 hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Be sure to label them with the date. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature or pop one in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to make it warm and soft again.

Freezing Cookie Dough
You can also freeze the cookie dough before baking. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Freezing the dough is a great option if you want to bake fresh cookies in small batches without any extra prep. Just pull out a few dough balls and you’ll have warm cookies anytime the craving hits.

These cookies are great for make-ahead baking, gifting, or just ensuring you always have a sweet, spiced treat ready to go.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in these Ginger molasses cookies

Even with a simple recipe like this one, a few common mistakes can make the difference between good cookies and great ones. Here’s what to look out for and how to fix it.

1. Using Butter That’s Too Soft or Melted
It’s tempting to speed things up by softening butter in the microwave, but if it gets too melty, your cookies will spread too much and come out flat. For best results, let your butter sit at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before starting. It should be soft enough to press with a finger but still hold its shape.

2. Overmixing the Dough
Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix only until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies because it develops the gluten in the flour. Gentle mixing keeps the cookies soft and chewy.

3. Skipping the Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat
Lining your baking sheet isn’t just about preventing sticking—it also helps with even browning. Metal trays alone can cause cookies to brown too quickly on the bottom. Parchment or silicone mats give you a more uniform bake and make cleanup easier.

4. Overbaking the Cookies
This is a big one. These cookies should still look slightly underbaked in the center when you pull them out of the oven. They’ll continue to set as they cool. If you wait until they look fully done, they’ll end up crunchy instead of soft and chewy.

5. Measuring Flour Incorrectly
Too much flour can make the cookies dry and cakey. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact it and lead to over-measuring.

6. Not Letting the Cookies Cool Before Moving Them
These cookies are very soft when they first come out of the oven. If you try to move them too soon, they can fall apart. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure your cookies come out bakery-perfect every single time.

Pro Tips of these Ginger molasses cookies

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s take things to the next level with some tried-and-true tips that will help you get the absolute best results every time you make these cookies. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these tips will help guarantee success.

Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Sizing
If you want all your cookies to bake evenly and look uniform, a cookie scoop is your best friend. It ensures consistent size and shape, which means your cookies will all bake at the same rate. This is especially helpful if you’re baking for a party or gifting them—neat, uniform cookies always make a better impression.

Roll Dough in Sugar Before Baking
For a subtle crunch and extra sparkle, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheet. This not only gives the cookies a prettier appearance, but also creates a delicate crust on the outside that contrasts perfectly with the soft inside.

Don’t Skip the Cooling Step
Letting your cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes is key. It gives them time to finish setting and firms up the bottoms just enough to transfer them to a cooling rack without them falling apart. If you skip this, you may end up with broken cookies that don’t hold their shape.

Adjust Spices to Taste
Everyone has different spice preferences. If you love ginger, you can add an extra half teaspoon to give the cookies more of a zing. Prefer a milder spice profile? Scale the cloves down to ¼ teaspoon. This recipe is very forgiving and easy to adjust to your taste.

Chill Dough for Thicker Cookies
While this recipe doesn’t require chilling, if you want slightly thicker, puffier cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Chilling firms up the butter, which helps the cookies hold their shape better in the oven.

Use Room Temperature Egg
If your egg is too cold, it can cause the butter to seize up and lead to a lumpy batter. Set your egg out about 30 minutes before baking or place it in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for 5–10 minutes to quickly bring it to room temperature.

Double the Batch for Later
This dough freezes beautifully, so consider doubling the recipe. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, and then store them in a freezer-safe bag. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re in the mood for warm, spiced cookies without the prep.

These pro tips help ensure not just consistency but also the confidence that your cookies will turn out beautifully every single time. Sometimes it’s the little adjustments that make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. You can make the dough up to 48 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes to make it easier to scoop. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Do I have to use molasses?
Molasses is what gives these cookies their signature deep flavor and chewy texture. If you absolutely can’t use it, you can substitute with dark corn syrup or maple syrup, but the flavor and color of the cookies will be quite different. For the most authentic taste, molasses is a must.

What kind of molasses should I use?
Use unsulphured molasses, which is commonly labeled as “light” or “original” molasses. Avoid blackstrap molasses, which is too bitter and thick for baking in this recipe. Brands like Grandma’s Original Molasses work perfectly here.

Can I make these Ginger molasses cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that includes xanthan gum. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

Why did my Ginger molasses cookies come out too hard?
The most common cause is overbaking. These cookies should look soft in the middle when you take them out of the oven. Also, double-check your flour measurement—too much flour can dry them out. Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping it straight from the bag.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce the granulated sugar by up to ¼ cup without dramatically affecting the texture, though the cookies will be less sweet. Keep in mind that sugar also helps with moisture and browning.

Do these Ginger molasses cookies ship well?
Yes! These cookies are sturdy enough to ship without falling apart, yet soft and chewy on the inside. Stack them in airtight containers with parchment between layers and ship them in a padded box. They’re perfect for holiday care packages.

How long do they stay fresh?
At room temperature in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! You can add ½ cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even mix in some dark chocolate chips or white chocolate for a twist. Just be sure not to overload the dough with extras.

Are these Ginger molasses cookies spicy?
They’re warmly spiced, not hot. The ginger gives a bit of a bite, but it’s very mild and well-balanced by the sugar and molasses. If you want a spicier version, increase the ginger slightly or add a pinch of black pepper for an extra kick.

These FAQs should help you troubleshoot, customize, and perfect your cookies based on your preferences and baking situation. If you ever get stuck, just come back here and find the answer you need.

Conclusion & Call to Action

There’s something truly magical about a recipe that’s both simple and unforgettable—and these soft and chewy ginger molasses cookies are just that. From their perfectly spiced flavor to their irresistibly tender texture, they bring comfort, joy, and just the right amount of nostalgia with every bite.

Whether you’re baking a batch for a holiday cookie exchange, treating your family to something homemade, or just satisfying your own craving for something cozy, these cookies never disappoint. They fill your kitchen with the warm scent of spices and molasses, and they come together in under 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

What makes this recipe so special is how it brings people together. I’ve made these cookies for neighbors, coworkers, and friends—and without fail, they always ask for the recipe. They’re easy enough to make on a whim but special enough to gift during the holidays or include in your most cherished family traditions.

Now that you’ve seen how easy it is to make these cookies, I hope you’ll give them a try. Get your butter softening, gather your spices, and treat yourself to the joy of homemade cookies that taste like a warm hug.

When you do make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Feel free to leave a comment, share your baking experience, or tag me in your photos online. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing how others enjoy a recipe that’s become such a favorite in my own kitchen.

So go ahead—preheat that oven and get ready to enjoy the coziest, most delicious cookie you’ve made all season. You’ve got this!

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Ginger molasses cookies

Ginger Molasses Cookies – Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Spiced


  • Author: Julia Hart
  • Total Time: 25–30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These soft and chewy ginger molasses cookies are rich with warm spices, have a tender center, and slightly crisp edges. A classic holiday favorite that’s quick, simple, and perfect for cozy baking.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup molasses

  • 1 egg

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp ground ginger

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • ½ tsp ground cloves

  • ½ tsp salt


Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • Cream butter and sugar for 3–5 minutes until light and fluffy.

  • Add molasses and egg; mix until well combined.

  • In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.

  • Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.

  • Scoop dough into rounded tablespoons, roll in sugar if desired, and place on baking sheet.

  • Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set and centers look soft.

  • Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

  • For a crisp edge, bake a minute longer.

  • Chill dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker cookies.

  • Roll in sugar before baking for extra texture and sparkle.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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