Beyond taste, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. The dough mixes easily by hand or mixer, and it freezes well for make-ahead holiday prep. You can even bake a batch early, store it, and still enjoy fresh-tasting cookies when guests arrive. Warm, fragrant, and timeless — Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies are everything you love about the holidays in one delicious bite.
Storage Options
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerate: Keep dough covered in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.
- Freeze: Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months; bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Summary
These Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies are soft, chewy, and spiced to perfection. Made with molasses, ginger, and cinnamon, they deliver that classic holiday flavor that’s both nostalgic and comforting — perfect for gifting or holiday dessert tables.
Yield: 24–30 cookies | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes | Bake Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cookie scoop
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsulfured molasses
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking soda.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses, mixing until combined.
- Combine: Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes for best results.
- Shape: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat each one in granulated sugar.
- Bake: Place on prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until tops are cracked and edges are set.
- Cool: Allow cookies to rest on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, don’t overbake — they’ll continue to set as they cool.
- Use dark molasses for deeper flavor; avoid blackstrap molasses, which is too bitter.
- Rolling in coarse sugar adds sparkle and crunch for a festive touch.
Tips for Success
- Chill dough before baking to prevent spreading.
- Use fresh spices for the most aromatic flavor.
- Measure flour correctly — spoon and level for accuracy.
- Store cookies with a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Glazed Version: Drizzle cooled cookies with vanilla or lemon glaze for a bakery finish.
- Chocolate Twist: Dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate for contrast.
- Spicier Version: Add a pinch of black pepper or extra ginger for more heat.
- Frosted Holiday Cookies: Decorate with cream cheese frosting and holiday sprinkles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can chill the dough up to 3 days in advance or freeze for later baking.
Can I skip chilling the dough?
It’s recommended to chill it — this helps prevent excessive spreading and enhances flavor.
How can I keep them soft?
Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or apple to maintain moisture.
What’s the difference between these and gingerbread cookies?
Gingerbread cookies are crisp and cut-out; Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies are soft and chewy with a stronger molasses flavor.
Conclusion
Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies capture the essence of the holidays with their warm spices, soft centers, and rich molasses flavor. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a mug of cocoa, they’re a timeless classic that belongs on every festive dessert table. With their comforting aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies make every holiday moment feel extra special.