Molasses Chewy Spiced Cookies (Printable Version)

Soft, spiced molasses cookies with ginger and cinnamon, ideal for a cozy treat any time.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons ground ginger
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 2 teaspoons baking soda
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
10 - 1/4 cup molasses
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ For Rolling

13 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - Beat softened butter and dark brown sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
07 - Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
08 - Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
09 - Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They're impossibly chewy in the center while the edges crisp up just enough to catch your teeth.
  • The spice blend is warm without being aggressive, so even people who skip gingerbread cookies seem to reach for thirds.
  • These keep for days in an airtight container, though they rarely last that long.
02 -
  • Underbaking is not failure—it's the path to chewiness; pull them out when the centers still look slightly underdone.
  • Molasses is thick and stubborn; warm the measuring cup under hot water before measuring it, and it'll pour like it actually wants to cooperate.
03 -
  • Sift your spices separately if they've been sitting in your cabinet for months; this refreshes them and prevents clumping.
  • Room-temperature ingredients mix smoother and incorporate better than cold ones—take them out 30 minutes before you start.
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