One Bowl Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies

What Makes Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies So Special

Is there anything better than the smell of warm spices like ginger and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen? I don’t think so. It’s like a cozy hug in scent form.

These soft ginger molasses cookies are my ultimate comfort bake. They deliver that perfect chewy texture and rich flavor that makes you feel like you’ve mastered holiday baking, even on a random Tuesday. Ever wonder what makes the best ginger cookies so incredibly addictive? Let’s find out.

Ingredients for Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking the ultimate soft ginger molasses cookies. Here’s your shopping list:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup coarse sugar for rolling

Cook Time for Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies

This recipe is surprisingly quick! You can bake the ultimate soft ginger molasses cookies with a perfectly chewy texture in no time.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes per batch
Total time: About 25-30 minutes

It’s the perfect project for when you need a baking win without a huge time commitment. If you love quick bakes, you should definitely check out my Protein Mug Cake too!

How to Make Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies

Ready to create some magic? Follow these simple steps for the best ginger cookies you’ve ever made.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This little step saves you from a major cleanup headache later. 🙂

Step 2: Mix the Dry Goods

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This ensures the spices distribute evenly so every bite is perfectly spiced.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Don’t rush this! Creaming properly gives the cookies their structure.

Step 4: Add Egg and Molasses

Beat the egg and molasses into the butter and sugar mixture until everything is well combined. The molasses is the star here, giving the cookies their signature rich flavor and dark color.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing is the enemy of tenderness, so be gentle!

Step 6: Roll and Sugar-Coat

Place the coarse sugar in a small bowl. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the sugar to coat it completely. This gives the cookies a delightful crunchy exterior.

Step 7: Arrange on Pan

Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. They need a little room to spread and become the perfect, puffy cookies.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8-10 minutes. You want the edges to look set, but the centers should still be soft. This is the secret to a chewy ginger cookie! They will firm up as they cool.

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

I’ve made these soft ginger molasses cookies more times than I can count. Here are my favorite ways to tweak the recipe.

• Flavor Swap: Out of cloves? A pinch of allspice or nutmeg works beautifully.
• Diet Tweak: For a slightly different treat, you can use some of the techniques from my Protein Banana Bread for a protein boost.
• Prep Fix: If your dough feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. It makes rolling much easier.
• Storage Tip: The dough freezes great! Make a double batch and freeze some balls for instant cookies later. For more freezer-friendly ideas, see my Strawberry Protein Muffins.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

Let’s be real, we’re not eating cookies solely for their health benefits. But it’s nice to know that these treats offer a little more than just sugar.

Molasses contains iron and calcium, and ginger and cinnamon are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties. IMO, enjoying a mindful treat like these soft ginger molasses cookies is a fantastic part of a balanced diet.

If you’re looking for other balanced snack ideas, my Cookie Dough Protein Bites or Pumpkin Protein Bars are great options. For more on the benefits of spices, the Harvard Health Blog has some fascinating reads.

A Lighter Version of Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies

Want to make easy molasses cookies a bit lighter? You absolutely can! I’ve experimented with a few swaps that still deliver on flavor.

You can replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat version. For a less refined sugar option, try using coconut sugar instead of granulated. Ever wonder, “Can I make it healthier?” The answer is usually yes with a few smart tweaks!

For more ideas on healthy baking, peek at my Protein Muffin recipe and Pumpkin Protein Bars. Resources like King Arthur Baking and EatingWell also have great guides on ingredient substitutions.

Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets

Baking for friends or family with dietary needs? No problem. Here’s how you can adapt these chewy ginger cookies.

For a low sugar version suitable for diabetic diets, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit that measures 1:1 like sugar. This can help with glycemic control.

A gluten-free 1:1 flour blend works wonderfully in place of all-purpose flour. Just make sure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise!

How to Serve Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies

My favorite way to serve these cookies is still warm from the oven with a tall glass of cold milk. It’s a classic for a reason.

They are also incredible crumbled over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Speaking of ice cream, if you’re feeling adventurous, try them with a scoop of my Piñon Ice Cream. For a next-level dessert spread, pair them with Churro Cheesecake. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea is another perfect partner.

Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to. Here are the big ones to watch out for when making soft ginger molasses cookies.

Using hard butter: Your butter must be softened to cream properly. If it’s too hard, your dough won’t come together right.

Overbaking: This is the #1 reason cookies turn out hard. Take them out when the centers look soft! They continue to cook on the hot pan.

Overmixing the flour: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overworking the gluten leads to tough cookies.

Remember, baking is a learning process. Even a slightly imperfect batch of these soft ginger molasses cookies is still a delicious batch.

How to Store Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies

To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfect for about 4-5 days.

You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. I like to freeze them in a single layer before bagging them so they don’t stick together. For another great make-ahead recipe, check out my Cowboy Butter – it’s a flavor booster for savory dishes!

Try This Soft Ginger Molasses Cookies Yourself

I really hope you give this recipe a try. There’s something so satisfying about pulling a tray of these warm, spiced cookies out of the oven.

They fill your home with the most incredible aroma and bring a little bit of holiday cheer any day of the year. If you love baking as much as I do, explore more of my recipes like Cookies and Cream Popcorn, Protein Mug Cake, or Protein Banana Bread.

Frequently Asked Questions