Description

These soft molasses ginger cookies are chewy, spicy, and perfectly sweet with a crackly sugar crust. They stay soft for days and are easy to make, making them perfect for holiday baking and gift-giving.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (220g) packed dark brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
½ cup (120ml) regular unsulfured molasses
2 tablespoons (30ml) corn syrup
2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (for rolling)
Coarse sugar or turbinado sugar (optional, for extra crunch)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
Add the egg and beat until combined. Add molasses and corn syrup, mixing until smooth and glossy.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate dough for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
Place ½ cup granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop 1.5 tablespoons of dough, roll into a ball, and coat thoroughly in sugar.
Place dough balls on prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers look soft and puffy.
Let cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and ensure a chewy texture. Do not overbake; cookies will firm up as they cool. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness. For gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 140
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 150
Fat: 5
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 0.5
Protein: 1

Keywords: molasses cookies, ginger cookies, holiday baking, chewy cookies, soft cookies, Christmas cookies, easy cookie recipe