Description

Crisp on the edges and chewy in the center, these holiday molasses ginger cookies are the perfect addition to any cookie exchange. The secret lies in chilling the dough and using dark molasses for deep, complex flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120ml) dark molasses
2 3/4 cups (345g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup (100g) extra granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Add the molasses and mix until the dough is a uniform dark brown color.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days).
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball.
Roll the dough balls in the extra granulated sugar to coat completely.
Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches of space between each.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and enhance flavor. Use dark molasses for the best taste. Spoon and level flour to avoid dry cookies. Do not overbake; cookies should look soft in the center when removed from the oven as they firm up while cooling.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 140
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 90
Fat: 6
Saturated Fat: 3.5
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 0.5
Protein: 1

Keywords: molasses ginger cookies, holiday cookies, cookie exchange, fall baking, chewy ginger snaps, winter recipes