Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup dark molasses

For Rolling:

• ⅓ cup cinnamon sugar (for coating)

Steps to Make It

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
2. Prepare the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar for rolling. Set aside.

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
2. Whisk until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the butter and white sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated.
3. Pour in the dark molasses and mix until the wet ingredients are smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 4: Shape and Coat the Cookies

1. After chilling, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
2. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
2. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time:

15 minutes (plus 1 hour for chilling)

Cooking Time:

12 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 27 minutes

Servings:

Makes about 24 cookies

Calories per Cookie:

Approximately 120 kcal

Why This Recipe is Timeless

These ginger molasses cookies embody the classic charm of homemade baked goods. They are timeless because they remind us of cherished memories—holiday gatherings, childhood baking sessions, and the simple pleasure of a warm cookie fresh from the oven.

Their ingredients are pantry staples, making them accessible and convenient to whip up whenever a craving strikes. The use of spices like ginger and cinnamon gives them a festive feel, while their soft and chewy texture makes them universally loved.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While perfect for the holiday season, these cookies are just as delightful year-round. Their warm spices and molasses flavor pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a comforting treat any time of the day.

Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Protein: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fats: 5 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fiber: 0.5 g

FAQs

1. Can I use light molasses instead of dark molasses?
Yes, you can substitute light molasses for dark molasses. However, the flavor will be slightly milder, and the cookies will be lighter in color.

2. How do I ensure my cookies stay soft and chewy?
Be careful not to overbake the cookies. They should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls (before rolling them in sugar) on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, roll them in cinnamon sugar and bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Tips for Success

1. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape and develop a deeper flavor.
2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
3. Evenly Sized Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size for even baking.
4. Experiment with Spices: For a more complex flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

These Classic Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies are a testament to the joy of simple, homemade baking. Their warm spices, rich molasses flavor, and delightful chewiness make them a perennial favorite.

Whether you’re baking them for a festive holiday spread or simply to enjoy with a quiet cup of tea, these cookies are a reminder of the comforting power of a well-loved recipe. Their timelessness lies not only in their taste but also in the memories they create—memories of shared moments, laughter in the kitchen, and the magic of pulling a tray of perfectly baked cookies out of the oven.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of cinnamon and ginger fill your home. These cookies are more than just a treat; they’re an invitation to pause, savor, and enjoy life’s sweetest moments. Happy baking! 🍪✨