Description

Dark, chewy molasses ginger cookies with a crisp edge and crackly sugar crust. This foolproof recipe uses simple pantry staples and requires no fancy equipment.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 ½ cups (300g) brown sugar (light or dark)
½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
½ cup (120ml) regular unsulfured molasses
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and half of the granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until fully combined, about 1 minute.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Stop as soon as the flour disappears to avoid tough cookies.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 hours, to solidify the butter and prevent spreading.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls and roll them in the remaining granulated sugar until fully coated.
Place dough balls on baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set and slightly crisp, but centers still look soft.
Let cookies sit on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chilling the dough is crucial for chewy cookies. Measure flour using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dry cookies. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness. Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 140
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 80
Fat: 6
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 0.5
Protein: 1

Keywords: molasses cookies, ginger cookies, chewy cookies, holiday baking, easy cookie recipe, pantry staples