Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies
Warm-spiced, chewy molasses cookies with a tender crumb and a glossy sugar-crystal finish, perfect for cozy evenings. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 27 minutes layers (280g) 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 90 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 (280g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g), plus extra for rolling granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (85g) unsulfured molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking soda, 1 tbsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, and 1/4 tsp salt until evenly combined.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup (170g) softened unsalted butter and 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 1 large egg, 1/4 cup (85g) unsulfured molasses, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until smooth.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms.
- Step 6: Scoop 1 1/2 tbsp dough balls and roll each in granulated sugar, then place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies are set but still soft in the center; edges will be slightly firm.
- Step 8: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Soft 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 Soft 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 Soft 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 Soft 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 Soft 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.
