Introduction
Nothing says cozy and nostalgic quite like a batch of homemade Molasses-Spiced Soft Gingerbread Cookies. These classic cookies bring together the deep, rich flavor of molasses with the warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Perfect for the holiday season or as an everyday treat, these cookies offer a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or a glass of milk, they are bound to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Chewy: These cookies are perfectly moist with a slightly crisp edge.
- Richly Spiced: A warming blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves gives them an irresistible depth of flavor.
- Perfect for Holidays: These cookies are a must-have for holiday cookie exchanges and festive gatherings.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared in advance and baked fresh when needed.
Ingredients 🥄
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Necessary Tools 🔧
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Flour Alternatives: Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat or gluten-free flour.
- Sugar-Free Version: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute.
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of cardamom or orange zest for a unique twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a delicious variation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine and Chill: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until fully combined. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Shape and Roll: Form dough into small balls (about 1 inch) and roll them in granulated sugar.
- Bake: Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on a rack before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Chilling enhances flavor and ensures the perfect chewy texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices make a huge difference in flavor.
Serving Suggestions 🍪
- Enjoy warm with a cup of spiced chai tea.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra decadence.
- Use them to make ice cream sandwiches with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
Storing and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies or dough for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10 seconds to restore softness.
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
- Calories: 140
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
- Can I make these cookies dairy-free? Yes! Use vegan butter as a substitute.
- Why do I need to chill the dough? Chilling prevents spreading and enhances flavor.
- Can I use blackstrap molasses? It’s not recommended as it’s more bitter and less sweet.
- How do I keep cookies soft? Store with a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture.
- Can I make larger cookies? Yes, just increase the baking time slightly.
Conclusion
These Molasses-Spiced Soft Gingerbread Cookies are everything you love about gingerbread—rich, spiced, and perfectly chewy. Whether you bake them for a holiday party or as an everyday treat, they will surely be a hit! Try them out and let us know your favorite way to enjoy them!
