Gingerbread-Spiced Molasses Cookies with Candied Orange Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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 layers all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon 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 100 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 24 American cuisine 100 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

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.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

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 bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

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

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 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes