Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies Recipe

If you love the cozy warmth of spice and the perfect balance of sweetness and chew, you are going to adore this Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies Recipe. These cookies boast a tender, soft center with just the right amount of chewiness, all wrapped in a delightful crackly sugar-coated exterior. The rich molasses flavor mingles beautifully with fragrant cinnamon, ginger, and cloves to create an irresistibly nostalgic treat that feels like a hug in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for holiday gatherings or just craving something comforting, this recipe will quickly become a favorite to keep on rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role: from the butter-flavored Crisco providing that tender texture, to the fragrant spices that create the warm aromatic profile, and the molasses which delivers deep, caramel-like richness.

• 3/4 cup butter-flavored Crisco (room temperature): Adds tenderness and helps achieve chewy texture without heaviness.
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings moisture, sweetness, and a hint of caramel notes essential to chewy cookies.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the dough.
• 1/4 cup molasses: The star ingredient that gives the cookies their deep, bittersweet flavor and dark color.
• 2 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): The base that provides structure without weighing the cookies down.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and develop that signature crackly top.
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons powdered cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet-spicy notes that complement the molasses perfectly.
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons powdered ginger: Brings a bright, zingy kick that livens up every bite.
• 1/2 teaspoon powdered cloves: Provides subtle depth and an earthy spice that’s classic in ginger cookies.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a sparkling sugar crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

How to Make Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Fats and Sugar

Start by beating the butter-flavored Crisco and brown sugar together until everything is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps introduce air to create a light texture while blending the sweetness perfectly.

Step 2: Add Egg and Molasses

Next, beat in the egg and molasses until the mixture becomes glossy and uniform. Molasses is what sets this recipe apart, infusing the dough with its rich, deep flavors.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Before combining, spoon and level the flour carefully to avoid packing, which can toughen the cookies. Add the flour to the bowl but don’t stir yet—you want to keep those dry ingredients separate at first.

Step 4: Mix Spices, Salt, and Baking Soda into the Flour

Sprinkle salt, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves on top of the flour, then stir together gently to distribute the spices evenly. This ensures every bite delivers the perfect warming spice blend.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Mix the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. It’s key not to overmix here—overworking the dough can turn these tender treats tough, which we definitely want to avoid.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until thoroughly chilled. This resting step helps the dough firm up so the cookies hold their shape and develop that signature chewy texture when baked.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and encourage even baking.

Step 8: Roll and Coat the Dough Balls

Pour granulated sugar into a small bowl. Shape dough into walnut-sized balls (about 1 1/2 inches across), then generously roll each piece in sugar to create that sparkling, crackly cookie top.

Step 9: Bake!

Space the sugared dough balls about two inches apart on the baking sheet and bake for 8 to 9 minutes. Watch closely so that the cookies just begin to crack on top—they should still be soft inside and chewy once out of the oven.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

After baking, let the cookies cool on the pan for five minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Eating one warm is absolutely mandatory—you won’t regret it!

How to Serve Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to add a little extra something special, sprinkle a touch more granulated sugar on top right out of the oven for a sparkling effect. Alternatively, a light dusting of powdered sugar can lend a festive look perfect for holiday sharing.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced tea, creamy chai, or even a mug of frothy hot chocolate. The warm spices in the cookie complement warm drinks wonderfully, turning a simple snack into a full cozy experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your chewy molasses ginger cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside seasonal fruit slices, nuts, and a few pieces of dark chocolate for an impressive dessert platter. Wrapping some in parchment paper tied with twine also makes for charming homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep these cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for about a week, making them perfect for weekday treats after your big bake day.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance or save some for later, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a sealed container or bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen with an extra minute or two added to the baking time.

Reheating

To revive your chewy molasses ginger cookies after storage, warm them briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and flavor like magic.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter for the Crisco in this Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute butter, but keep in mind it may change the texture slightly. Crisco helps keep these cookies tender and chewy, whereas butter may make them a bit crisper. If you prefer butter for flavor, try a half-and-half mix for balance.

Why is chilling the dough essential for this recipe?

Chilling the dough firms it up so the cookies don’t spread too much during baking. This step also helps develop flavor and keeps the texture chewy rather than flat and crispy.

What if I don’t have powdered spices, can I use ground instead?

Powdered cinnamon, ginger, and cloves are just fine—they’re often the same as ground spices in standard grocery stores. Just be sure the spices are fresh for the best flavor impact.

How can I make these cookies more festive for the holidays?

Try adding some finely chopped crystallized ginger or a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough. You can also decorate with festive colored sugars or drizzle melted white chocolate once cooled.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking and adjust as needed, though the texture might differ slightly.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely encourage you to give this Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies Recipe a try—you will quickly discover why it’s such a beloved classic. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and delivers a sensational combination of spice and sweetness with a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for sharing or savoring on your own, these cookies are sure to bring a warm smile to anyone lucky enough to enjoy them.

Print