Spiced Ginger Molasses Cookies are the perfect blend of warm spices and rich molasses, making them an irresistible treat for any season. Whether you're baking for the holidays or simply craving something comforting, these cookies are sure to hit the spot.
All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cookies, while baking soda helps them rise just right. Adding salt enhances the flavors. The trio of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves gives these cookies their characteristic warmth and spice. Unsalted butter, when softened, creates a creamy base that blends well with granulated sugar to form a light and fluffy mixture. Molasses lends a dark, rich sweetness, while a large egg binds everything together. Lastly, a hint of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile. Rolling the dough in granulated sugar gives the cookies a lovely, crackly finish.
These cookies are delightful on their own, but for a special treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re also perfect served alongside a warm mug of chai or hot apple cider on a chilly day.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Trust me, this little bit of prep makes cleanup a breeze later on. Then, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set this aside for now — it’ll be joining the party soon.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer. You’re aiming for a light and fluffy texture here, so give it a good mix. Once you’ve got that, add in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well combined and looking delicious.
Now, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Mix until just combined — you don’t want to overdo it. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Give each ball a nice roll in granulated sugar to coat them evenly.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. You'll know they're ready when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.