Best Chewy Molasses Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These best chewy molasses cookies are a delightful treat that combines warm spices with rich molasses flavor. Perfectly soft and chewy, they make an ideal snack for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with tea.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Step 2: Mix in the molasses and egg until well incorporated.
3. Step 3: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and baking soda; mix well to combine.
4. Step 4: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour on low speed, just until combined.
5. Step 5: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Step 7: Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and then roll each ball in the granulated sugar until coated.
8. Step 8: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
9. Step 9: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
10. Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add a pinch of cloves or cardamom to the dough.
• Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and enhances the flavor.
• Use dark molasses for a deeper, more robust taste.
• Roll the dough balls in powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar for a softer coating.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container, which will help retain moisture. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you’d like them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Why should the dough be chilled before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, which helps the cookies keep their shape and develop a better texture during baking.

Best Chewy Molasses Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 96 reviews

These Best Chewy Molasses Cookies boast a perfect balance of warm spices and rich molasses, delivering a soft and chewy texture that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you’re craving a comforting cookie. Rolled in sugar for a delightful crackled finish, these cookies are easy to make and always a crowd favorite.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg

Dry Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour

Coating

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
2. Add Molasses and Egg: Mix in the molasses and egg thoroughly until well combined, creating a smooth, uniform dough base.
3. Incorporate Spices and Leavening: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, and baking soda to the mixture, stirring well to evenly distribute the flavors and help the cookies rise during baking.
4. Add Flour: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour on low speed or by hand, just until the ingredients combine to avoid overworking the dough which can toughen the cookies.
5. Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm it up and enhance the flavor melding.
6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the correct baking temperature before you shape your cookies.
7. Shape and Coat Dough Balls: Roll the chilled dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to give the cookies a sparkly, slightly crunchy exterior.
8. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet to allow space for spreading.
9. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes until they are set and crackled on top, but still soft inside.
10. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, which helps them firm up perfectly.
11. Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their chewy texture for several days.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is essential for chewy texture and enhances flavor.
• Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy in the center.
• Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar adds a beautiful crackled top and slight crunch.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• For a spicier kick, increase ground ginger to 3 teaspoons.

Keywords: christmas cookies, crackle cookies, ginger molasses cookies