Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies
Table of Contents
There’s something magical about the holiday season that turns our kitchens into bustling havens of warmth and nostalgia. I can’t help but reminisce about the times I spent with my grandma, rolling out dough and sneaking tastes of our creations when she wasn’t looking. One aroma that vividly transports me back is the sweet-spicy scent of Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies baking in the oven. These cookies, with their perfect blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, are like a hug for your taste buds, and they’ve been a cherished tradition in my family for as long as I can remember.
Why, you ask, should you make these delightful cookies part of your holiday tradition? First, they’re incredibly easy-peasy to whip up, with ingredients you likely have on hand, making them a delightful spur-of-the-moment treat. Second, the recipe fills your home with the comforting, spicy aroma that embodies the holiday spirit like nothing else. Third, the cookies themselves are a delightful balance of soft and chewy, with a hint of crispness around the edges. Fourth, they’re perfect for sharing — whether at a cookie swap or as a homemade gift for neighbors and friends. Finally, baking these cookies is a fabulous way to create lasting memories with loved ones, as you chat and laugh your way through the process.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies are a must for anyone who cherishes the combination of simplicity and flavor. The recipe embodies everything we love about the holidays: warmth, nostalgia, and the joy of sharing. These cookies are the epitome of homemade goodness, offering a sweet yet spicy bite that’s perfect for chilly winter days. Not only do they taste heavenly, but they also fill your home with a delicious aroma that’s sure to draw even the most reluctant baker into the kitchen. Plus, their festive appearance makes them a standout on any cookie platter, ensuring they’re the first to disappear at any gathering.
Beyond just their taste, the act of baking these cookies is an immersive experience that enhances the holiday spirit. The sound of the mixer, the feel of the dough, and the anticipation of waiting for them to bake are all parts of a tradition that many families, like mine, hold dear. This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to adapt it with personal touches. Add a pinch more cinnamon if you love its warmth, or throw in a handful of chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Whatever your preference, these cookies are sure to become a beloved part of your holiday traditions.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To bring these cookies to life, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools, ensuring the process remains stress-free and fun. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls: A large one for the wet ingredients and a medium one for the dry. Having separate bowls makes it easier to incorporate ingredients evenly, ensuring that each bite of cookie is consistent in flavor and texture.
- Whisk: For blending the dry ingredients seamlessly. This tool helps to aerate the flour and spices, preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth dough.
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon: To cream the butter and sugar into a fluffy delight. If you opt for a wooden spoon, you’ll get a bit of a workout, but the end result is just as satisfying.
- Baking sheets: Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Parchment paper not only makes for easy cleanup but also helps prevent the cookies from sticking, ensuring they bake evenly.
- Cookie scoop: Optional, but it helps create uniform cookies for even baking. A cookie scoop ensures that each cookie is the same size, which helps them bake at the same rate and look professional.
- Wire rack: For cooling the cookies to perfection. This allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy as they cool.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the butter, helping the cookies rise and giving them a tender texture.
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until combined. The molasses gives the cookies their characteristic depth of flavor and slightly chewy texture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so it’s important to stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar. Rolling in sugar gives the cookies a beautiful, sparkly finish and a delightful crispness on the outside.
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread as they bake, so give them plenty of room.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and the edges are set. They may look slightly underbaked in the center, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling period helps set the cookies’ shape.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 12 minutes • Total Time: 27 minutes • Calories: 140 kcal per cookie • Servings: 24 cookies
Note: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading. Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking. Chilling also enhances the flavors, making the spices more pronounced.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
The ingredients in our Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies not only contribute to their delightful flavor but also offer some intriguing benefits. Ginger, for instance, is a natural anti-inflammatory and can soothe digestive issues — a helpful bonus during the holiday season! Cinnamon adds a comforting warmth and is known for its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels. Molasses, a star in this recipe, is rich in iron and calcium, providing a slight nutritional boost while delivering deep, robust sweetness. And let’s not forget that baking at home means you’re avoiding preservatives and unnecessary additives, keeping things pure and simple.
Each of these ingredients plays a role in making these cookies not just tasty, but also a little better for you than the typical holiday treat. The spices are not only flavorful but have been used traditionally for their health-promoting properties. Molasses, as opposed to refined sugar, provides a more complex sweetness and a touch of minerals. Even the process of baking can be therapeutic, reducing stress and creating a sense of accomplishment and joy.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These cookies are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of treats. Enjoy them with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, where the spices complement the rich chocolate perfectly. They’re also delightful with a cup of spiced chai or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet, creamy contrast. For a festive touch, serve them on a platter with other holiday cookies.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing them with a mulled wine or a hot toddy. The spices in the cookies will enhance the warm, spiced flavors of these classic winter drinks. For a non-alcoholic option, a glass of cold milk or a peppermint tea also makes a refreshing complement, cutting through the sweetness with their own distinct flavors.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
To keep your Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container — they’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes or enjoy them slightly chilled for a refreshing twist. You can also crumble leftover cookies over yogurt or ice cream for a quick, easy-peasy dessert.
For those who love to plan ahead, consider preparing the dough in advance and freezing it. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When the craving for freshly baked cookies strikes, you can bake them straight from the freezer; just add a minute or two to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy the taste and aroma of freshly baked cookies without the prep work.
There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking from scratch, surrounded by loved ones and laughter. These Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re an experience, a tradition, and a reminder of the simple joys that make the holiday season so special. So gather your family, preheat the oven, and let the magic of homemade cookies fill your home with warmth and love.
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Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar.
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and the edges are set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
