Sticky Ginger Molasses Cookies with Crystallized Sugar
Soft, chewy molasses cookies infused with spicy ginger and coated in sparkling crystallized sugar for a delightful texture contrast. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 27 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 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 ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup, softened unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup for rolling crystallized sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add 1 large egg and 1/4 cup molasses, beating until combined.
- Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined, forming a soft dough.
- Step 4: Using a tablespoon, scoop dough and roll into balls, then roll each ball in 1/2 cup crystallized sugar until fully coated. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Step 5: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft and slightly sticky. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sticky Ginger Molasses Cookies with Crystallized Sugar 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 Sticky Ginger Molasses Cookies with Crystallized Sugar?
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 Sticky Ginger Molasses Cookies with Crystallized Sugar?
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 Sticky Ginger Molasses Cookies with Crystallized Sugar 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 Sticky Ginger Molasses Cookies with Crystallized Sugar?
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.
