Spiced Molasses Soft Chewy (Printable Version)

Soft, chewy treats infused with warm ginger, cinnamon, and rich molasses to delight every bite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons ground ginger
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 2 teaspoons baking soda
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Rolling

13 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until fully combined.
05 - Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just to combine without overmixing.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball, then roll the balls in granulated sugar to coat evenly.
07 - Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart.
08 - Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, until edges are set and centers appear slightly underbaked.
09 - Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They have the perfect balance of soft chewiness and bold spices, like a warm secret you get to share with friends
  • Every bite feels like a comforting hug, making them my go-to when I need a little sweet comfort
02 -
  • Don't skip the step to roll your dough balls in granulated sugar; it adds an irresistible texture contrast
  • Adjust baking time by a minute if you prefer softer or crisper cookies—small tweaks make a big difference
03 -
  • Chilling the dough for at least an hour before baking enhances the flavor depth and controls spread
  • Using light brown sugar instead of dark keeps the cookies from becoming too heavy while retaining that lovely molasses character