Sheet Pan Ginger Molasses Cookies
Spiced molasses cookies baked on a sheet pan deliver chewy texture and warming ginger flavor, perfect for cozy dessert cravings. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 27 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
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup additional granulated sugar (for rolling)
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. 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, and 1/2 tsp ground cloves.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add 1 large egg and 1/4 cup molasses, beating until combined.
- Step 3: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Step 4: Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls and roll each into a ball, then roll in 1/4 cup granulated sugar to coat. Place on a parchment-lined sheet pan about 2 inches apart.
- Step 5: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Let cool on pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Ginger Molasses Cookies take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Sheet Pan Ginger Molasses Cookies?
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 Sheet Pan Ginger Molasses Cookies?
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 Sheet Pan Ginger Molasses Cookies 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 Sheet Pan Ginger Molasses Cookies?
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.