Name: Molasses Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 ½ cups flour; 4 teaspoons ground ginger; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon cloves; 1 ½ cups butter-flavored shortening; 2 cups sugar; 2 eggs; ½ cup molasses; 2 Tablespoons sugar

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Perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings, these cookies are a breeze to make with just 10 minutes of prep. Their golden-brown finish and irresistible aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Plus, they’re packed with just enough spice to keep you coming back for more!

Ingredients for Molasses Cookies

4 ½ cups flour (all-purpose works best)
4 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 ½ cups butter-flavored shortening (or substitute with unsalted butter for a richer flavor)
2 cups granulated sugar (divided: 2 cups for dough, 2 Tablespoons for rolling)
2 large eggs (room temperature preferred)
½ cup molasses (unsulphured molasses recommended for best flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensure your baking sheets are ungreased.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the shortening for 30 seconds until smooth. Add 2 cups of granulated sugar and beat until fully combined.
Beat in the eggs and molasses until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Gradually add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined. Stir in the remaining flour mixture by hand to avoid overmixing.
Shape the dough into 1 ½ to 2-inch balls. Roll each ball in the remaining 2 Tablespoons of sugar to coat evenly.
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them 2 ½ inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned and puffed. (Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy!)
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Store and Keep Molasses Cookies Fresh

To keep your molasses cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

Fun Variations to Spice Up Your Cookies

Experiment with different flavors by adding 1/2 cup of chopped crystallized ginger or 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts to the dough. For a festive twist, roll the dough balls in a mix of sugar and cinnamon instead of plain sugar. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a sweet, decorative touch.

Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions

These molasses cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of spiced chai tea. For a cozy dessert, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters or gift boxes!

Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers

To save time, prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before shaping into balls. Alternatively, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Common Questions About Molasses Cookies

Can I use butter instead of shortening? Yes, but the cookies may spread more and lose some chewiness. For best results, stick to shortening. What if I don’t have molasses? You can substitute with an equal amount of dark corn syrup or honey, though the flavor will be slightly different. Why are my cookies too hard? Overbaking is the most common culprit—stick to the 12-15 minute range for soft, chewy cookies.