Gingerbread-Spiced Molasses Cookies with Candied Orange Zest

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft, aromatic molasses cookies infused with warming gingerbread spices and topped with bright candied orange zest for a festive treat. This american-inspired christmas ready in about 32 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 100 calories and feeds 24, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 24 American cuisine 100 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large egg, 1/4 cup molasses, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
  4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed until just combined. Stir in 2 tbsp finely chopped orange zest.
  5. Step 5: Cover dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
  6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each in 1/4 cup granulated sugar to coat.
  7. Step 7: Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
  8. Step 8: Cool cookies on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gingerbread-Spiced Molasses Cookies with Candied Orange Zest take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Gingerbread-Spiced Molasses Cookies with Candied Orange Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gingerbread-Spiced Molasses Cookies with Candied Orange Zest?

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 Gingerbread-Spiced Molasses Cookies with Candied Orange Zest 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 Gingerbread-Spiced Molasses Cookies with Candied Orange Zest?

American christmas 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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