Spiced Pumpkin Molasses Cookies with Crystallized Ginger
Soft and chewy pumpkin molasses cookies infused with warm spices and studded with sweet crystallized ginger pieces, perfect for fall gatherings. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 34 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking soda, 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 130 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 cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup, softened unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup, chopped crystallized ginger
- 1/4 cup, for rolling turbinado sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, and 1/2 tsp salt until well combined.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: Add 1 large egg, 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup molasses, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Step 6: Fold 1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger gently into the dough.
- Step 7: Shape the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls, roll each ball in 1/4 cup turbinado sugar, and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 8: Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked for chewiness.
- Step 9: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Pumpkin Molasses Cookies with Crystallized Ginger take to make?
Total time is about 34 minutes (20 min prep + 14 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 Pumpkin Molasses Cookies with Crystallized Ginger?
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 Pumpkin Molasses Cookies with Crystallized Ginger?
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 Pumpkin Molasses Cookies with Crystallized Ginger 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 Pumpkin Molasses Cookies with Crystallized Ginger?
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.
