The aroma of freshly baked ginger molasses cookies wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm, spicy embrace that feels like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. Imagine sinking your teeth into one of these soft, chewy delights, where the rich flavors of molasses meet the zesty kick of ginger. Each bite is a celebration of comfort and nostalgia, begging to be enjoyed with a steaming cup of tea or coffee.
These cookies are not just a treat; they hold memories of family gatherings and holiday cheer. The anticipation builds as you pull them from the oven, the edges perfectly crisp while the centers remain delightfully chewy. Perfect for sharing or devouring all by yourself (no judgment here), these ginger molasses cookies are destined to become your new favorite indulgence!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These ginger molasses cookies are super easy to whip up, making them perfect for any baking novice.
- With their unique blend of spices, they offer a delightful flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds.
- The warm brown color and inviting aroma make these cookies visually appealing and perfect for sharing at gatherings.
- They are versatile enough to enjoy year-round but feel especially festive during the holidays!
Ingredients for ginger molasses cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base for your cookies; make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.
- Baking Soda: Helps your cookies rise and become fluffy; don’t skip this crucial ingredient!
- Ground Ginger: The star spice that gives these cookies their signature kick—freshly ground is ideal but powdered works too.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile; feel free to add a tad more if you’re a cinnamon lover!
- Molasses: The sweet, rich syrup that binds everything together and provides moisture—dark molasses gives a deeper flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Contributes moisture and chewiness; light or dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably.
- Butter: Unsalted butter brings richness; let it soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together; ensure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make ginger molasses cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of flavors throughout the dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar until creamy. Add in the molasses and egg, mixing until fully incorporated. You should have a smooth mixture that smells heavenly!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix unless you want tough cookies instead of soft ones!
Step 5: Scoop and Shape
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave space between each cookie because they will spread while baking.
Step 6: Bake
Place in your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but centers still look slightly underbaked. This ensures maximum chewiness!
Transfer to plates and let them cool slightly before indulging in these delightful ginger molasses cookies! Enjoy with friends or keep them all to yourself—you deserve it!
You Must Know
- These ginger molasses cookies are not just a holiday treat; they’re a year-round delight.
- With their chewy texture and spicy-sweet flavor, they will make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery.
- Plus, they’re super easy to whip up whenever a cookie craving strikes!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Then, add the molasses and egg for richness. Mix in dry ingredients, roll into balls, and bake until edges are crisp but centers remain soft. Timing is everything for that perfect chew!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added texture. Toss in chopped nuts or chocolate chips if you’re feeling wild. A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking can elevate those flavors to new heights.
Storing & Reheating
Store your ginger molasses cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ground ginger for a punchy flavor that really shines through.
- Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
- Make sure not to overbake; you want them soft in the center!
Sometimes I bake these cookies when my friends come over, and they disappear faster than I can say “ginger molasses.” The look on their faces when they bite into that chewy goodness is priceless!
FAQs:
What ingredients do you need for ginger molasses cookies?
To make delicious ginger molasses cookies, you will need all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, brown sugar, molasses, and an egg. These ingredients combine to create a warm and spicy flavor that is characteristic of these cookies. Make sure to use fresh spices for the best taste. The combination of ginger and molasses gives these cookies their unique texture and depth of flavor. It’s important to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
How do you store ginger molasses cookies?
Storing ginger molasses cookies properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious. Once baked, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them or freezing them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes. This method keeps your cookies flavorful and enjoyable for days.
Can you freeze ginger molasses cookie dough?
Yes, you can definitely freeze ginger molasses cookie dough! Freezing the dough is a great way to have freshly baked cookies on demand. To freeze the dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake them, there’s no need to thaw; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What makes ginger molasses cookies chewy?
The chewy texture of ginger molasses cookies comes from several key factors in the recipe. Using brown sugar instead of white sugar adds moisture and chewiness due to its higher moisture content. Additionally, using butter instead of shortening contributes to a rich flavor and soft texture. Baking just until the edges are set while keeping the centers slightly underbaked also helps achieve that perfect chewy bite. Finally, allowing the cookies to rest after baking enhances their delightful chewiness.
Conclusion for ginger molasses cookies:
Ginger molasses cookies are a delightful treat that combines spices and sweetness in every bite. By following simple steps with quality ingredients like flour, butter, and brown sugar, you can create perfectly chewy cookies at home. Storing these treats properly ensures they remain fresh longer, while freezing the dough offers convenience for future baking sessions. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or stored in your pantry, these cookies are sure to please everyone who tries them!
Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the warm, spiced goodness of ginger molasses cookies—soft and chewy treats perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar until creamy. Add the molasses and egg, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Scoop and Shape: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added texture, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking enhances the cookie's sweetness.
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