· · · ·

Ginger Molasses Cookies

Looking for the best ginger molasses cookies? These soft and chewy cookies are the perfect size and full of warm holiday flavor. The dough comes together quickly, the cookies bake up beautifully puffy, and the classic molasses spice makes them a must-bake Christmas cookie recipe.

Why I Love This Recipe

When I first started making chewy ginger molasses cookies, I knew I needed to get them just right to satisfy that holiday craving. I pulled together my favorite parts of each trial recipe, and this one stuck.

Here’s what makes this the recipe I come back to year after year:

  • The centers stay soft for days
  • The edges get the perfect chew
  • The crinkly sugar tops make them look bakery-level
  • The ginger flavor is warm but not overpowering
  • The dough is incredibly forgiving… seriously, it’s almost impossible to mess up

An Easy Molasses Cookie Recipe

Everything about this easy molasses cookie recipe fits real life. You can make them while your favorite holiday movie is playing, while your coffee is brewing, or in that 20-minute window when you’re trying to feel festive but also slightly overwhelmed by the holidays. You’ll be happy you made them.

Ginger Molasses Cookies

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Keyword: Christmas cookie recipes, ginger cookies, ginger molasses cookie recipe, ginger molasses cookies, holiday cookies, molasses cookies
Pin Recipe Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter softened
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 egg
  • 2 1/4 cups AP flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp cloves
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and salt.
  • Separate bowl or mixer, cream butter, white sugar and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 4-5 minutes).
  • Add egg and molasses. Mix well, about 2 minutes.
  • Slowly add the dry ingredients until a dough is formed.
  • Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 350F
  • On a lined baking sheet, roll dough balls (about 1 inch) and roll in sugar and place them on the baking sheet 2 inches apart.
  • Bake 8-10 minutes until the cookies are cracked on the top.

My favorite thing about this soft molasses cookie recipe is that the flavor gets better with time. The spices deepen, the ginger warms up a little more, and the molasses becomes richer. These cookies are somehow even better on day two… if they last that long.

They’re the type of cookie that feels nostalgic even if you didn’t grow up with them. That’s the magic of a good ginger cookie recipe… it can instantly become a tradition!

What You’ll Need (And Where to Find My Favorites)

Tips for the Best Ginger Molasses Cookies

1. Roll them in sugar
That sparkly sugar coating gives them their classic crinkled top and just a tiny extra crunch.

2. Don’t overbake
They should look slightly underdone when you pull them out. Trust me, they finish setting on the pan.

3. Use fresh spices
Ginger + cinnamon lose flavor over time. If they’re older than a year, it’s worth grabbing a fresh jar.

4. Chill halfway through
If your dough feels too soft or you want a thicker cookie, chill it for 20–30 minutes after they are on the pan. Not required, just helpful.

5. Let them rest
These cookies become richer and softer as they cool. The molasses flavor deepens, and they get that irresistible chew.

How to Serve Them

You can put them on the cutest cake plate, or these are amazing too:

  • With a mug of hot coffee
  • Dunked into chai
  • Packed into gift boxes for neighbors
  • Baked for cookie swaps
  • Crumbled over vanilla ice cream
  • Sandwiched with cookie butter

 
 
 
holiday hosting checklist
I hope this list makes your holiday party planning feel easier.
Email address
Thank you for subscribing!
 

Fun Variations

  • Add orange zest to the dough
  • Dip half the cookie in white chocolate
  • Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking
  • Stir in chopped candied ginger
  • Make them extra thick by chilling the dough longer
  • Use dark molasses for a deeper flavor

These ginger molasses cookies are everything I want this time of year! They’re cozy, soft, a little nostalgic and incredibly forgiving. They’re the kind of cookie that makes your kitchen feel warm and lived-in and imperfect in the best way.

I hope this becomes the molasses cookie recipe you come back to every winter!

Let me know if you try this recipe!

This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend products I actually use and love!

Are we friends Yet?!

Sign up to receive my favorite recipes, party ideas and latest finds.

 
Share via:

Leave a Reply