Ginger Molasses Cookies Treat

This ginger molasses cookie recipe strikes the perfect balance between warm spices and rich molasses sweetness, resulting in cookies that are chewy with a delicate crackly top. They are ideal for cozy evenings or festive gatherings, bringing a comforting aroma straight from the oven. The combination of cocoa powder and cardamom adds depth beyond the classic ginger cookie, making them truly irresistible.

I first made these cookies during the holiday season and now baking them with family is a joyful tradition that fills the kitchen with warmth and cheer

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: for structure and tenderness choose fresh and bleached for best results
• Cocoa powder: adds a subtle chocolate undertone opt for unsweetened and high-quality for richest flavor
• Baking powder and baking soda: to ensure perfect rise and texture
• Ground ginger: is the star spice bringing warmth and bite use fresh ground for best aroma
• Ground cardamom and cinnamon: for a fragrant and complex spice profile freshly ground enhances flavor
• Salt: to balance sweetness and enhance other flavors use fine salt for even mixing
• Unsalted butter: provides richness room temperature butter creams easily
• Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: add sweetness and moisture the brown sugar lends a slight caramel note
• Mild molasses: deepens flavor and adds chewiness choose unsulfured molasses for a clean taste
• Egg: for binding and moisture room temperature ensures smooth batter
• Vanilla extract: to round out the flavor with sweetness and warmth
• Dark and white chocolate: for decorating add contrast and extra decadence
• Crystallized ginger: offers a nice spicy crunch
• Festive sprinkles: make them visually fun

Instructions

Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside to let the spices disperse throughout the flour mixture.

Cream Butter and Sugars:

In a large bowl use a handheld mixer to beat the room temperature butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth. This step aerates the butter making the cookies tender and soft.

Add Molasses Egg and Vanilla:

Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated. The mixture should be glossy and well blended.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Slowly add the dry spice flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Chill the Dough:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or up to 48 hours. Chilling allows flavors to meld and makes the dough easier to handle.

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two large baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.

Shape and Sugar the Cookies:

Use a 1 and 1 half tablespoon measuring spoon or weigh out about 30 grams of dough per cookie. Roll each portion into a ball then roll them in granulated sugar for a sparkling crisp exterior.

Arrange and Bake:

Place the sugared dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the edges are firm and the tops have crackled beautifully.

Cool on Baking Sheet:

Leave the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to set up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breaking while handling.

Decorate with Melted Chocolate and Toppings:

Melt the dark and white chocolates separately over a double boiler or microwave in short bursts. Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate and place back on parchment paper. While the chocolate is wet, sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger and festive sprinkles to add color, texture, and a little zing. Let the chocolate fully set before serving.

My favorite ingredient is the ground cardamom which adds a delightful floral note that surprises you after the initial ginger hit. One holiday my kids insisted we add extra crystallized ginger on top which gave each bite a wonderful spicy pop that became an instant favorite in our home.

Storage Tips

Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to keep them soft and chewy. For longer preservation place them in a sealed freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have cardamom try a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to keep the warm spice character. If you prefer no cocoa flavor, simply omit the cocoa powder and add an extra two tablespoons of flour. Unsalted butter can be replaced with salted butter but reduce added salt to prevent oversalting.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of chai or black tea, emphasizing their warm spice notes. For a festive touch serve them alongside a creamy spiced latte or hot cocoa. They also work beautifully on a holiday cookie platter with assorted nuts and dried fruits.

These cookies blend tradition with creative flair and are sure to become a cherished treat in your home.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What spices are used to flavor these cookies?

The cookies feature ground ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon, creating a warm and fragrant spice profile.

→ Why is the dough chilled before baking?

Chilling the dough helps develop the flavors and prevents spreading, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

→ How do I get the crackly top on these cookies?

Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking helps form the signature crackly surface.

→ Can I decorate these cookies with chocolate?

Yes, after baking and cooling, dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate for extra richness.

→ What toppings complement these cookies?

Chopped crystallized ginger and festive sprinkles add texture and visual appeal, enhancing the flavor.