Chewy Molasses Gingerbread Cookies (Printable)

Soft, chewy ginger-spiced treats infused with rich molasses and warm holiday flavors.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons ground ginger
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 2 teaspoons baking soda
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
10 - 1/4 cup molasses
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ For Rolling

13 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
03 - Beat softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture; mix until fully combined.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, then coat each in granulated sugar.
07 - Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared sheets to allow spreading.
08 - Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until edges appear set but centers remain soft.
09 - Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're impossibly chewy inside with just-set edges, staying soft for days in an airtight container.
  • The warm spices bloom slowly on your tongue, never overwhelming, making them feel cozy rather than heavy.
  • You can have cookies cooling on a rack within 30 minutes from a bare kitchen.
02 -
  • Underbaking is not a mistake here—those soft centers that feel almost raw are exactly what makes them stay chewy for days instead of hardening overnight.
  • Brown sugar can harden over time, so I always press mine between my fingers or use an oven's residual warmth to soften it before creaming.
03 -
  • If your kitchen is very warm, chill the dough for 15 minutes before scooping; cookies spread more predictably from cool dough.
  • Toast your spices gently in a dry pan for 30 seconds before measuring for a flavor that feels fresher and brighter.
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