These Gingerbread Molasses Cookies are soft, chewy, and spiced just right! They are filled with warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and a hint of molasses.
Making these cookies feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. I just love the sweet smell that fills my kitchen! Perfect with a glass of milk, they’re hard to resist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try a gluten-free flour blend.
Molasses: This gives the cookies their rich flavor and color. If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, but note that the flavor will be slightly different.
Ground Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are key for that classic gingerbread taste. Feel free to adjust these spices to suit your taste. For a spicier cookie, add a bit more ginger!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal to control the salt in your cookies. If you’re in a pinch, stick butter works too. Just adjust the salt accordingly.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together. For a vegan option, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Bake Perfectly?
Getting the baking time right is crucial for cookies. Here are some tips to help you bake them perfectly:
- Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. The edges should be set, but the center might look soft. They will firm up as they cool.
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to make uniform dough balls; this ensures even baking.
- Don’t crowd the baking sheet! Space the dough balls 2 inches apart to allow them room to spread.
- If your oven tends to run hot, check on the cookies a minute or two before the recommended bake time.
With these tips and ingredient options, you’ll have delicious gingerbread molasses cookies ready to share in no time! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Gingerbread Molasses Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 cup molasses
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 8 to 10 minutes to bake. Allow for some extra time to cool before serving, making the total time around 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll have a warm batch of delicious cookies ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly. While the oven is warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup!
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda. This combination of spices gives the cookies their wonderful gingerbread flavor. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using a hand mixer or a whisk. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is super important because it helps to create a nice texture in your cookies!
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then stir in the water and molasses. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The molasses adds a delightful richness and color to your cookies!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the molasses mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. Make sure not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the dough into walnut-sized balls. Roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar to coat. This gives the cookies a beautiful sparkly finish!
7. Bake the Cookies:
Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the tops are cracked. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit once you take them out of the oven!
8. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This makes them easier to handle. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy!
Once your cookies have cooled, grab a glass of milk or your favorite holiday drink and enjoy these delicious, chewy gingerbread molasses cookies! They’re perfect for sharing, but you may just want to keep them all to yourself!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for better structure!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers and they’ll last for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits to the dough for an extra twist. Just keep in mind that this may change the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on the cookies as they bake.
What Can I Substitute for Molasses?
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can use honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that the flavor will be different. For a closer taste, consider using dark corn syrup.
