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
Scale
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.
