Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies

$- Flour, Spices, and Leavening Agents - 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons ground ginger - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground cloves - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ¼ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt These ingredients form the base of your cookie. The flour gives structure. The spices add warmth and flavor. Baking soda and powder help the cookies rise. - Sweeteners and Binding Ingredients - ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 egg - ¼ cup molasses - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Butter and brown sugar create a rich, sweet taste. The egg binds everything together. Molasses adds a deep, unique flavor and moisture, while vanilla enhances the overall taste. - Additional Ingredients for Rolling - Granulated sugar for rolling Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar gives the cookies a sweet, crunchy exterior. This simple step also adds to the visual appeal of your cookies. Each ingredient plays a key role, ensuring your soft ginger molasses cookies are delicious and satisfying. First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat will help the cookies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step keeps the cookies from sticking. You want to use parchment for easy cleanup. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This mix gives the cookies their warm, spicy flavor. Make sure there are no lumps. Set this bowl aside for now. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air to the mix, making the cookies soft. Next, add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mix. Beat until everything is well mixed. Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to this wet mix. Stir until just combined. Be careful! Overmixing can make your cookies tough. Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough. Roll each piece into a ball with your hands. Then, roll each ball in granulated sugar. This sugar coating gives the cookies a nice sparkle and sweetness. Place the balls on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Now, it’s time to bake! Put the baking sheets in the oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should look crackled on top but still soft in the middle. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the warm, spicy smell filling your kitchen! To make your cookies soft and chewy, focus on a few key steps. First, use room temperature butter. This helps create a nice creaminess in your dough. Second, do not overmix the dough. Mix just until the flour is combined to keep your cookies tender. Lastly, let the cookies look a bit underbaked when you take them out. They will firm up as they cool. Accurate measurement is key to great cookies. Always use a dry measuring cup for flour. Spoon the flour into the cup, then level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag. This packs the flour and makes your cookies dry. For brown sugar, pack it tightly into the cup before leveling. This ensures you get the right sweetness and moisture. Many people make common mistakes when baking cookies. One mistake is skipping the chilling step. While this recipe doesn’t call for it, chilling dough can help cookies hold their shape. Another mistake is not using parchment paper on your baking sheets. This prevents sticking and helps with even baking. Lastly, don’t forget to check your oven’s temperature. An oven that’s too hot can lead to burnt edges and raw centers. {{image_2}} Want to boost the taste of your cookies? Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips. - Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. Just mix them in with the dough. - Chocolate chips: Dark or milk chocolate chips give a sweet twist. This combo works great with the warm spices. Looking for gluten-free or vegan options? You can make these cookies fit your needs! - Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. This swap keeps the cookies soft. - Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, and then add it to your mix. You can add fun holiday-themed touches to your cookies. - Spices: Add nutmeg or allspice for a seasonal flavor. - Decorations: Use colored sugar for a festive look. Sprinkling some on top before baking adds a nice touch. - Add-ins: Try dried cranberries or orange zest for a bright flavor. These ingredients make your cookies perfect for any celebration! To keep your soft ginger molasses cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture and rich flavor. You can stack them in layers, but use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing. Freezing is a great way to save your cookies for later. First, let the cookies cool completely. Next, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about two hours. Once frozen, move the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag. This way, they stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the cookies at room temperature. Use sturdy containers to store your cookies. Glass jars, plastic containers, or metal tins work well. Make sure they close tightly to keep air out. If you want to keep the cookies soft, add a slice of bread to the container. The bread will help absorb moisture and keep the cookies soft. Yes, you can! Brown sugar adds moisture and flavor. You can also use white sugar. However, it may change the texture a bit. If you want a richer taste, try using dark brown sugar. This gives a deeper flavor. Honey or maple syrup can work too, but adjust the amount for sweetness. These cookies stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap or a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature. If you don't have molasses, try using honey or dark corn syrup. These options provide a sweet flavor. However, they may not give the same richness. You can also mix brown sugar with a little water to mimic molasses. For a healthier option, consider using agave syrup. In this article, I covered cookies from start to finish. We explored essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for soft, chewy cookies and highlighted delicious variations. You learned about proper storage to keep them fresh. Baking cookies can be fun and rewarding. With the right approach, you can enjoy tasty treats any time. Try experimenting with flavors and methods. Happy baking!$

Indulge in the warmth and spice of soft ginger molasses cookies that are sure to delight! This easy recipe features a perfect blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, creating a soft, chewy texture that's irresistible. Whether you're baking for the holidays or just want a sweet treat, these cookies are a must-try. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this delicious classic!

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Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground cloves

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 egg

¼ cup molasses

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Granulated sugar for rolling

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture (flour mixture) to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll each piece into a ball.

Roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crackled. The cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center but will continue to cook on the sheets once removed from the oven.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 27 mins | Servings: 24 cookies

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or tiered tray, and sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. For added flair, you can also pair them with a small bowl of cinnamon sugar for dipping!