The aroma of ginger and molasses filling your kitchen is the true scent of Christmas! These Chewy Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies are more than just a treat; they're a hug in edible form, a taste of holiday tradition that transports you back to cozy memories.
Forget dry, crumbly ginger cookies. Our recipe promises a cookie that's perfectly soft and delightfully chewy, bursting with warm, comforting spices in every bite. They're easy enough for a beginner baker but impressive enough to be the star of any holiday cookie swap or festive gathering.
Why These Ginger Molasses Cookies Are Your New Holiday Favorite
What sets these cookies apart? It's all about that irresistible texture and deeply spiced flavor:
- Perfectly Chewy: Thanks to the magic of molasses, these cookies stay soft and tender.
- Warm Spices: A generous blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates that classic holiday warmth.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean less stress and more holiday cheer.
- Festive Tradition: They're the quintessential Christmas cookie, bringing joy to all who taste them.
Whether you're leaving them out for Santa, gifting them to loved ones, or simply enjoying one with a cup of hot cocoa, these ginger molasses cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday baking tradition.
Key Ingredients for Success
You'll find most of these ingredients already in your pantry! Here's a quick look at what makes these cookies so special:
- Butter: Softened butter is key for a light, fluffy dough when creamed with sugar.
- Molasses: This is where the magic happens! Molasses provides the distinct flavor, dark color, and that incredible chewiness. Curious about this dark, sweet syrup? Learn more about understanding the different types of molasses.
- Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves: The holy trinity of holiday spices, creating a comforting and aromatic profile.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies spread slightly and gives them a tender crumb.
Tips for the Best Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Don't Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- Roll in Sugar (Optional but Recommended!): Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking adds a beautiful sparkle and a delightful textural contrast.
- Don't Overbake: These cookies are best when slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool, ensuring maximum chewiness.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for the best emulsion and a smooth dough.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are wonderful on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:
- Pair them with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a festive chai latte.
- Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Package them in festive tins or bags as homemade holiday gifts.
Get ready to fill your home with the most incredible holiday scents and enjoy every single bite of these irresistible Chewy Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies!
FAQs
Can I make ginger molasses cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 2-3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before rolling into balls.
How do I store ginger molasses cookies to keep them fresh?
Once baked and cooled, store these ginger molasses cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months.
What makes these cookies chewy instead of crispy?
The combination of molasses and a slightly lower baking temperature contributes to their wonderful chewiness. Molasses adds moisture and helps create that soft, tender texture, while not over-baking ensures they stay soft in the middle.
Can I add extra spices or garnish these cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to add a pinch of black pepper for an extra kick, or a dash of nutmeg. Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking adds a lovely sparkly crust and an extra touch of sweetness.
Chewy Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced ginger molasses cookies are the ultimate festive treat for the holiday season.
Ingredients
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then mix in the molasses until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Optionally, roll the balls in granulated sugar for a sparkling finish. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Enjoy your warm, chewy ginger molasses cookies!
Notes
For an extra festive touch, roll the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking. These cookies are also delicious with a sprinkle of sea salt on top right after they come out of the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
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