Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies

Featured in: Warm Cookies & Cakes

These soft and chewy cookies are infused with the rich taste of molasses and warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. The combination creates a deeply flavorful treat ideal for cozy afternoons or festive occasions. A tender texture balances the sweet and spicy notes, while rolling the dough in granulated sugar adds a delicate crispness. Baking just until edges are set preserves softness at the center. Variations include adding black pepper for extra spice or swapping part of the flour with whole wheat for a heartier bite. Store airtight to maintain chewiness for days.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:53:00 GMT
Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies fresh from the oven, sprinkled with sugar and warm spices.  Save to Pinterest
Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies fresh from the oven, sprinkled with sugar and warm spices. | flourhollow.com

Soft, chewy cookies bursting with warm spices and rich molasses flavor perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday treats.

I've baked these molasses ginger cookies for years and they never fail to bring warmth and smiles to my family gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsulphured molasses, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For Rolling: 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Step 4:
Add egg, molasses, and vanilla mix until well combined.
Step 5:
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture mixing just until incorporated.
Step 6:
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll each in granulated sugar.
Step 7:
Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Step 8:
Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.
Step 9:
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Close-up of soft, chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy evenings.  Save to Pinterest
Close-up of soft, chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy evenings. | flourhollow.com

These cookies bring my family together every holiday season we share laughter and stories while enjoying them fresh and warm.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, electric mixer or stand mixer, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). Check all labels for potential traces of nuts or soy if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Calories 120, Total Fat 5 g, Carbohydrates 18 g, Protein 1 g per serving

Deliciously spiced Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies cooling on a wire rack, inviting and delightful. Save to Pinterest
Deliciously spiced Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies cooling on a wire rack, inviting and delightful. | flourhollow.com

Enjoy these molasses ginger cookies fresh with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy treat.

Recipe FAQs

What gives these cookies their chewy texture?

The use of molasses and brown sugar, combined with slightly underbaking, keeps the interior soft and chewy.

Can I add extra spice to the cookies?

Yes, a pinch of black pepper can be added for a subtle heat that complements the warm spices.

How should I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature; they will stay chewy for up to five days.

Is it possible to make the texture heartier?

Replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor and denser bite.

What spices are used in these treats?

Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla extract create the warm, aromatic flavor profile.

Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies

Soft and chewy ginger-spiced molasses treats with warm flavors and a perfect tender bite.

Prep Duration
15 mins
Cook Duration
10 mins
Overall Time
25 mins
Created by Megan Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 24 Servings Count

Dietary Details Meat-Free

Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients

01 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 teaspoons ground ginger
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
05 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 2 teaspoons baking soda
07 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1 cup packed brown sugar
03 1 large egg
04 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Rolling

01 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 03

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about two minutes.

Step 04

Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until fully combined.

Step 05

Combine Wet and Dry Components: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated without overmixing.

Step 06

Form and Sugar-Coat Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat evenly.

Step 07

Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place dough balls two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.

Step 08

Bake Cookies: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set but centers remain soft and chewy.

Step 09

Cool Completely: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before serving.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient to spot potential allergens. Always confirm with your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter).
  • Check labels for possible traces of nuts or soy.

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Nutrition details are for reference and can't substitute for professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 120
  • Fat content: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Protein Amount: 1 g