Description
These holiday cookies feature a crackly, sugary exterior and a soft, chewy center with deep ginger and molasses flavor. The dough requires chilling for best results, making them perfect for make-ahead baking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated white sugar
- 1 cup (220g) packed dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) dark molasses
- 2¾ cups (340g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup (100g) granulated white sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down sides.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and dark molasses.
- Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix just until flour disappears. Do not overmix.
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate dough for at least 24 hours (up to 3 days).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place ½ cup granulated sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Scoop dough (about 1.5 tablespoons) and roll into balls. Roll each ball in sugar to coat completely. Place on baking sheets 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until puffed and crackly. Centers may look slightly soft.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
The dough must be chilled for at least 24 hours to prevent spreading and develop flavor. Use dark molasses for best taste. Store in an airtight container with a piece of bread to maintain softness. Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: ginger cookies, molasses cookies, holiday baking, crinkle cookies, chewy cookies, Christmas cookies, make-ahead dessert