If you’re craving a cookie that marries warm spices and rich molasses in every bite, then this Spiced Molasses Ginger Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These cookies are perfectly chewy with a wickedly crackled top, infused with the quintessential flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, all elevated by a subtle whisper of orange zest and a sticky-sweet molasses backbone. They are incredibly comforting, utterly addictive, and just the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell like pure holiday magic, no matter the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and rich color. From the softness of brown sugar to the deep complexity of molasses, every ingredient plays a starring role in crafting these unforgettable cookies.
- Shortening: Provides a tender crumb and helps keep cookies soft even after cooling.
- Salted butter, softened: Adds richness and buttery flavor essential to the cookie’s luscious texture.
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel sweetness that enhances the molasses.
- Granulated sugar: Creates a slight crispness and balances the softness from brown sugar.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while enriching the dough.
- Molasses: The star ingredient, imparting that signature dark, syrupy depth and moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Lifts and rounds out all the spices, adding a warm aroma.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds sweet and woody notes that complement the molasses.
- Ground ginger: Brings a gentle heat and zesty warmth characteristic of gingerbread treats.
- Ground cloves: Offers a pungent, aromatic kick to deepen the spice profile.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Baking soda: Leavens the cookies, giving them a chewy yet soft texture.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone that holds all components together.
- Orange zest (optional): Adds a bright citrus note that beautifully contrasts the spices.
- Raw or sanding sugar: For rolling, giving the cookies a slight crunch and sparkly finish.
- Powdered sugar: Base for the optional glaze, lending a sweet touch.
- Maple syrup: Sweetens the glaze naturally with a rich, earthy flavor.
- Milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for perfect drizzling.
How to Make Spiced Molasses Ginger Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this simple preparation ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a snap. It also helps those crackled tops form evenly without burning on the bottom.
Step 2: Cream the Fats and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the shortening, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is critical because it introduces air into the dough, giving your cookies a fantastic, tender texture with a beautifully soft bite.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Molasses, Vanilla, and Orange Zest
Now, beat in the eggs one at a time to keep the mixture smooth. Stir in the molasses, vanilla extract, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the orange zest. The zest adds a subtle punch of brightness that plays so well against all those spicy notes you’re about to mix in.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add these spices and leavening agents to your wet mixture, mixing until the dough forms but be careful not to overwork it—you want it soft and pliable, not tough.
Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Dough Balls
Use a tablespoon-sized scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each ball generously in raw or sanding sugar. This not only gives a delightful crunch and sparkle but also creates a gorgeous crackled surface when baked. Arrange them on your prepared sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are just set and you start to see those classic crackles on top. The tops should feel firm but the centers remain soft and chewy.
Step 7: Optional Glaze for a Special Touch
While the cookies cool on the pan for about 5 minutes, mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the cooled cookies to elevate the flavor and add an inviting glossy finish that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Spiced Molasses Ginger Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon or a few finely chopped crystallized ginger pieces over the glaze for an added zing and extra festive look. These small touches can make your cookies feel even more special and inviting.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea, rich hot chocolate, or a creamy latte. The warm spices in the cookies harmonize beautifully with these cozy drinks, making for a snuggly snack session any time of year.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gift, arrange the cookies in decorative tins layered with parchment paper, or stack them with ribbons tied around for a rustic, homemade gift vibe. You could also sandwich two cookies with a smear of cream cheese frosting or honey butter between them for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Spiced Molasses Ginger Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, making them perfect to bake ahead for gatherings or to satisfy your cookie cravings gradually.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, arrange on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw them in a sealed container at room temperature to maintain their chewiness and freshness.
Reheating
If you want that fresh-baked warmth, simply microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This will revive the soft texture and highlight those cozy spices all over again.
FAQs
Can I use melted butter instead of shortening?
While melted butter might change the texture slightly, it can be used if you don’t have shortening. Just know that shortening helps keep the cookies tender and soft, so the results might be a bit crisper without it.
Is orange zest necessary?
Orange zest is optional but highly recommended! It adds an unexpected brightness that balances the molasses and spices, lifting the overall flavor profile beautifully.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain texture. The cookies might be a bit denser but should still taste delicious.
What’s the best way to measure molasses?
Spoon molasses into your measuring cup rather than pouring it to avoid spilling and get the most accurate amount. Lightly greasing the cup helps the sticky syrup slide out easier.
How long do the cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and chewy for up to one week at room temperature. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet to preserve flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that feels like a warm hug and packs a flavorful punch, you truly must give this Spiced Molasses Ginger Cookies Recipe a try. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again because it’s not just delicious—it’s comfort food for the soul. Happy baking, and enjoy every magical bite!
Print
Spiced Molasses Ginger Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these aromatic Spiced Molasses Ginger Cookies, bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, enriched by molasses, and finished with a sweet glaze. Perfectly soft yet slightly crisp, these cookies bring a classic holiday flavor that’s easy to make and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1½ cups brown sugar
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup molasses
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tsp baking soda
- 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, but adds brightness)
- Raw sugar or sanding sugar (for rolling)
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Fats and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, softened salted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a creamy base that contributes to the cookies’ tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract along with the orange zest if using, mixing well to combine all the flavors together.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, salt, baking soda, and the all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms without over-mixing.
- Shape and Sugar the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form dough balls and roll them in raw sugar or sanding sugar to add a delightful crunch and sparkle. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, allowing room for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops have crackled. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Optional Glaze: While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Adjust milk to achieve your preferred consistency. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cookies to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Using orange zest is optional but adds a fresh, bright note that complements the spices nicely.
- Be careful not to over-bake; the cookies should be soft and chewy with set edges.
- For a stronger molasses flavor, you can increase the molasses up to 3/4 cup.
- If you prefer, substitute shortening with all butter for richer flavor, but this may affect texture slightly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimum freshness.
