Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any season, especially during the holidays. These cookies combine warm spices and rich molasses to create a soft, flavorful bite that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for rolling cookie dough balls in
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- Step 3: Using a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Add the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even incorporation.
- Step 5: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Step 6: Using a large cookie scoop (about 2 1/2 tablespoons), scoop dough balls and roll each one in the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
- Step 7: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets about two inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Step 8: Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the tops appear crackly but the cookies are still soft in the center.
- Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra burst of spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or substitute the nutmeg with allspice.
- Use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt if you prefer more control over the saltiness.
- Try dipping cooled cookies in melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist.
- If you like your cookies softer, bake for a minute less; for crisper edges, add a minute or two.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, warm the cookies in a 300-degree F oven for about 5 minutes or until soft and fragrant.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use light molasses instead of regular molasses?
Yes, light molasses will work and will give the cookies a milder flavor. Dark molasses offers a richer, deeper taste if you prefer more intensity.
How do I make the cookies chewier?
To achieve chewier cookies, slightly underbake them by removing them from the oven when the centers still look a little soft. Also, using a bit more molasses and brown sugar helps retain moisture and chewiness.
PrintChewy Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe
These chewy ginger molasses cookies are rich in warm spices and molasses flavor, delivering a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Perfectly soft on the inside with a crackly sugar-coated exterior, they make a comforting treat ideal for holiday baking or anytime you crave a cozy cookie.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Finishing
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookie dough balls)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream butter and sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or a handheld mixer, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the molasses and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Combine dry with wet: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry flour and spice mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined into a uniform dough without overmixing.
- Prepare cookie dough balls: Using a large cookie scoop (approximately 2 1/2 tablespoons), scoop out dough portions, then roll each ball in the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. The cookies should have crackly tops but remain soft and chewy inside. Avoid overbaking to maintain chewiness.
- Cool cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra spice kick, you can add a pinch of black pepper or extra ginger.
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for best texture.
- Using parchment paper helps cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup easier.
- Scooping all dough balls at the same size ensures uniform baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them chewy for several days.
Keywords: ginger molasses cookies, chewy cookies, holiday cookies, spiced cookies, molasses cookies, homemade cookies, cookie recipe

