Who doesn’t love the smell of ginger molasses cookies wafting through the house during the holiday season? These Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies are a delightful embodiment of this festive time, perfectly soft and chewy, bringing warmth with each spiced bite. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg creates a flavor profile that is comforting and reminiscent of holiday celebrations with friends and family. Aside from the luscious taste, these cookies are a cinch to make, making them perfect for holiday baking marathons.
This traditional cookie recipe is not just about baking; it’s about creating memories. The rich aroma as they bake fills your home, inviting everyone to gather around. Attractive to both adults and children, these cookies are perfect for gifting during the holiday season or enjoying on your winter nights at home with a warm mug of cocoa. If you’re ready to embark on a festive baking adventure, let’s dive into the magic of whipping up these sweet treats!
Why You’ll Love This Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies
- The perfect balance of warm spices and sweetness, making it a holiday favorite.
- Very easy preparation, ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Great for gifting, sharing, or simply indulging during the cozy winter nights.
- These cookies can be stored for days, allowing you to prepare them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the holiday season.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before commencing the joyous task of baking these Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen space. Clear a clean and spacious area where you can comfortably mix and roll out your dough. Gather your essential baking tools, including mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk for the dry ingredients, a spatula for blending, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Other helpful tools include a cookie scoop for portion control to make uniform cookie sizes, and a cooling rack to allow your baked cookies to cool properly. Also, consider chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies; this helps prevent them from spreading too much in the oven. Now you’re ready to create something delicious!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step as it ensures your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. The parchment will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleaning up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your cookies. Ensure the spices are evenly distributed for that delightful spiced flavor in every bite. Once mixed, set this bowl aside!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is critical as it will help the cookies rise properly. Using an electric mixer on medium speed can make this task quicker and easier.
Step 4: Add Egg and Flavor
Next, beat in the large egg, followed by the molasses and vanilla extract. These ingredients add richness and help bind everything together while enhancing the cookies’ flavor. Beat until just combined, making sure not to overmix.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture with the wet ingredients. Stir gently using a spatula, stopping once everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so it’s crucial to keep this step gentle.
Step 6: Form the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls in your hands. After rolling each ball, coat it in granulated sugar before placing it onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and the tops are cracking slightly. This visual cue ensures you retain that beloved chewy texture. Once ready, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
- Protein: For a protein boost, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts or even chocolate chips for a more indulgent treat.
- Vegetables: You could bring in grated zucchini or pumpkin puree to introduce moisture and nutrition without compromising deliciousness.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional spices such as cardamom or anise to alter the flavor profile and make it more unique to your taste.
Cooking Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to keep cookies from spreading too much.
- If you prefer extra chewiness, substitute 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with brown sugar.
- Avoid using blackstrap molasses as it tends to be bitter; go for unsulfured molasses for sweeter flavors.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve them with a steaming cup of cocoa for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Tips
- For consistent cookie sizes, use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon.
- For added spice, consider using freshly grated ginger instead of ground ginger. It will give your cookies an extra kick.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
How do I store these cookies?
Store your Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and make these cookies even more delicious.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it may be due to too much moisture in the dough. Be sure to measure ingredients accurately and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them retain their shape.
Conclusion
There you have it! The irresistibly soft and chewy Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies are ready for your festive celebrations. With their warm spices and comforting flavors, these cookies are bound to be a hit at any holiday gathering or cozy night spent at home. Don’t forget to try different variations to make them your own! Whether you’re sharing them with friends, family, or keeping some for yourself, we encourage you to revel in the joy of baking. We would love to hear how yours turn out; leave us a comment, share your thoughts, and enjoy this festive season to the fullest!
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Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These soft and chewy cookies are perfect for the holiday season!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until combined.
- Scoop and roll dough into balls, coat in sugar, and place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and tops are cracking. Cool on wire rack.
Notes
Chilling the dough can help maintain cookie shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Protein: 1 g