Ah, the sweet scent of *Gingerbread Molasses Cookies* wafting through the house during the holidays brings back the most wonderful memories! There’s something so magical about baking during this time of year, with the air filled with the warm spice of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. These cookies, with their rich, spiced flavor and delightful chewiness, have always been a family favorite. I remember the excitement of rolling out the dough and cutting out festive shapes with my kids, their laughter echoing as we decorated them with colorful icing and sprinkles. It’s a tradition that warms my heart every single time. What I love most about these cookies is how they embody the spirit of the season—comforting, festive, and just a little bit nostalgic. Trust me, once you bite into these gingerbread delights, they’ll become a cherished part of your holiday baking too!

Ingredients List

To create the most delightful *Gingerbread Molasses Cookies*, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (I prefer using King Arthur for its consistent results)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark, depending on your flavor preference)
• 1/2 cup molasses (I always use unsulfured for a cleaner taste)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These ingredients come together to create a perfectly spiced cookie that embodies the warmth of the holiday season!

How to Prepare Gingerbread Molasses Cookies

Now, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these *Gingerbread Molasses Cookies*! It’s a straightforward journey that rewards you with deliciousness at the end. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a cozy holiday treat!

Prepping the Dough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and perfectly. While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the dry ingredients: 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of ground ginger, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything is well combined so every bite is bursting with that lovely spice profile!

Creaming and Combining

In a separate bowl, it’s time to cream the butter and brown sugar together. Use 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of packed brown sugar—this step is crucial! Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for that airy texture that invites in the holiday spirit. Once you’ve achieved that, add in the 1/2 cup of molasses, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is beautifully incorporated.

Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts, mixing just until combined after each addition. This keeps the dough from becoming tough and helps retain that lovely chewiness we all adore in gingerbread cookies.

Chilling and Baking

Here comes one of the most important steps: chilling the dough! Wrap it in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to roll out later. Once chilled, take the dough out and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them some space to spread.

Bake these beauties in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will ensure they hold their shape while still being delightfully chewy in the middle. And there you have it—your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of gingerbread magic!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each *Gingerbread Molasses Cookie*:

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Sugar: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your cookies mindfully!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These *Gingerbread Molasses Cookies* are truly a holiday treasure, and here’s why they’ll become a staple in your seasonal baking:

• Rich Flavor: The blend of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm, comforting taste that’s simply irresistible.
• Festive Appeal: Their delightful aroma and charming shapes bring that holiday spirit to life, making them perfect for decorating and gifting.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, these cookies are accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile: Enjoy them plain, or get creative with icing, nuts, or chocolate for a personalized touch!

Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they hold a special place in my heart (and my cookie jar) every holiday season!

Tips for Success

To make your *Gingerbread Molasses Cookies* truly exceptional, here are some tips to elevate your baking game:

• Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice levels! If you love a bit more kick, increase the ground ginger or cinnamon. You can also experiment with nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality molasses—unsulfured is best for a smoother taste. The same goes for your spices; fresh ground spices offer a vibrant flavor that can make a world of difference.
• Chill the Dough Longer: If you have the time, chilling the dough for up to an hour can enhance the flavor and texture. It also makes it much easier to handle when rolling out the balls.
• Storage Tips: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their chewy texture. For added freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container; it helps to keep the cookies soft!

With these tips, you’ll be on your way to baking the most delightful gingerbread cookies your family will love!

Variations on Gingerbread Molasses Cookies

The beauty of *Gingerbread Molasses Cookies* lies not only in their rich flavor but also in their versatility! Here are some fun variations to consider that can elevate your holiday baking:

• Chocolate Chip Twist: For a delightful contrast, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the dough. The chocolate melts into gooey pockets, creating a wonderful balance with the spices.
• Nuts for Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and a nutty flavor. Just make sure to chop them finely if you want them to blend seamlessly into the cookies.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices! A pinch of cardamom or nutmeg can add a unique flair. You could even try a bit of cayenne for a surprising kick!
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well!

These variations are not just delicious; they add a personal touch to your gingerbread cookies, making them even more special for the holidays!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your *Gingerbread Molasses Cookies* fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week, although I doubt they’ll last that long! If you’d like to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Just ensure they’re completely cool before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie, simply let them thaw at room temperature, or for a quick heat-up, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. You’ll be greeted with that warm, inviting aroma all over again!

Serving Suggestions

Pairing your delightful *Gingerbread Molasses Cookies* with the right beverages can elevate your holiday experience! I love serving them with a steaming cup of spiced chai or rich hot cocoa. The warmth and creaminess of these drinks perfectly complement the cookies’ spiced flavors. For a festive twist, try a glass of mulled wine or apple cider, infused with cinnamon and cloves. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more unique, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can add a delightful contrast to the chewy cookies. Trust me, these combinations will make your holiday gatherings even more special!

For more information on the health benefits of spices used in these cookies, check out this Healthline article on ginger. Additionally, if you’re curious about the history of gingerbread, you can read more here.

Gingerbread Molasses Cookies: Elevate Holiday Baking Today

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 36 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Gingerbread Molasses Cookies are a classic holiday treat with a rich, spiced flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla to the butter mixture; mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; mix until combined.
6. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
7. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set.
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

• For a spicier cookie, increase the ground ginger and cinnamon.
• These cookies can be decorated with icing for a festive touch.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Gingerbread, Molasses, Cookies, Holiday, Dessert