Spiced Molasses Cookies

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 24
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Spiced Molasses Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Perfectly spiced with ginger and cinnamon, these cookies are ideal for cozy fall gatherings or as a sweet holiday indulgence.

Ingredients for Spiced Molasses Cookies

All-purpose flour forms the base of our cookies, providing the structure necessary to hold everything together. Ground ginger and ground cinnamon are the stars here, infusing the cookies with a warm, spicy aroma. Baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly while maintaining a soft and chewy texture. Ground cloves add depth and a hint of sweetness. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Unsalted butter brings richness, while white sugar adds sweetness and helps with the cookie's soft texture. Egg acts as a binder, and the water provides a bit of moisture. Finally, molasses gives these cookies their signature dark color and deep, sweet flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • Chill your dough for 30 minutes if it's too soft to handle; this makes rolling easier.
  • For a stronger flavor, let the dough sit overnight in the fridge to let the spices meld.
  • If you like a crispier cookie, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They're also splendid when dunked in a glass of cold milk. For a festive touch, serve with a warm mug of spiced apple cider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of molasses?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Molasses gives a more robust flavor and darker color.
How should I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Nuts or chocolate chips can add a nice texture and additional flavor.

Spiced Molasses Cookies Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This dry mix will be set aside for later.

In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. It should look pale and hold together nicely. Next, beat in the egg, mixing well, and then stir in the water and molasses until everything is well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. It's best to do this in batches, mixing just until everything is incorporated. You want a dough that's consistent but not overworked. Once mixed, shape the dough into walnut-sized balls and roll each one in some extra sugar for a sweet, crackly finish.

Place the sugared balls onto your prepared baking sheets, giving each cookie about 2 inches of space to spread. Gently flatten each ball with a fork before popping them into the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for the tops to crack and the edges to firm up. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to finish cooling completely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and flavorful with a perfect blend of spices.
  • Easy to make with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
  • Great for gifting or sharing during festive occasions.
  • Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup white sugar, plus extra for rolling
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup molasses

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses until well combined.
5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just incorporated.
6. Shape dough into walnut-sized balls and roll each ball in the extra sugar.
7. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and flatten slightly with a fork.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the tops crack and the edges are firm.
9. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

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