Pin Irresistibly soft and chewy cookies with deep molasses flavor and warm spices, perfect for cozy afternoons and easy to make without a mixer.
I first baked these molasses cookies on a snowy afternoon with my daughter, and now we make them together every autumn. The scent filling the kitchen reminds us of simple, joyful days.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (280 g)
- Ground ginger: 2 teaspoons
- Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Ground cloves: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly: 3/4 cup (170 g)
- Packed dark brown sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
- Unsulphured molasses: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Large egg, room temperature: 1
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Granulated sugar, for rolling: 1/4 cup (50 g)
Instructions
- Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth and glossy. Add egg and vanilla, whisking until combined.
- Combine:
- Add dry ingredients to wet and stir with a spatula just until no dry flour remains; do not overmix.
- Roll:
- Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough and roll into balls (about 1 1/2 inches). Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
- Arrange:
- Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake:
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until cookies are puffed, edges are set, and centers appear slightly underbaked.
- Cool:
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Pin 
My grandmother always kept a tin of these cookies for unexpected guests, and now my own family requests them for game night. The cookies disappear faster than I can bake them!
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, and wire rack are all you need.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy (butter). Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie: 120 calories, 5 g fat, 18 g carbohydrates, and 1 g protein.
Pin Enjoy these chewy molasses cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, and don't forget to share with loved ones.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What spices give these cookies their unique flavor?
A combination of ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg provides a warm and aromatic profile.
- → How can I achieve a chewy texture?
Removing the cookies from the oven when centers are just set but slightly underbaked helps maintain their chewiness.
- → Can molasses be replaced with another ingredient?
Dark treacle can be used as a substitute for molasses without altering the taste significantly.
- → How should these treats be stored?
Store in an airtight container for up to five days; they also freeze well for longer preservation.
- → Is special equipment needed to prepare these cookies?
No mixer is required; simple utensils like mixing bowls, a whisk, and a spatula are sufficient.