Spiced Molasses Ginger Cookies
Soft and chewy ginger cookies with warm molasses and a hint of aromatic spices, perfect for cozy dessert moments. 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 (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup coarse sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 1 large egg and 1/4 cup molasses to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Step 6: Scoop 1 tablespoon cookie dough balls and roll them in 1/4 cup coarse sugar to coat. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but centers remain soft, then 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 Spiced Molasses Ginger 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 Spiced Molasses Ginger 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 Spiced Molasses Ginger 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 Spiced Molasses Ginger 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 Spiced Molasses Ginger 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.
