Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger
Soft and chewy molasses cookies infused with warm ginger and dotted with sweet-tart crystallized ginger pieces for a spicy-sweet bite. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 32 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger
- 1/4 cup for rolling additional granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, and 1/2 tsp salt; set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 1 large egg, 1/4 cup molasses, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated.
- Step 6: Fold in 1/2 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger by hand with a spatula.
- Step 7: Pour 1/4 cup additional granulated sugar onto a small plate. Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls, roll into balls, then roll each ball in the sugar to coat.
- Step 8: Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Step 9: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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