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Ginger Molasses Cookies – Easy Homemade Recipe with Crackled Sugar Tops

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These ginger molasses cookies are soft, chewy, and warmly spiced, featuring crackled sugar tops for a satisfying crunch. Quick to make and perfect for holidays or cozy evenings, they deliver nostalgic comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup molasses (blackstrap or regular)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup coarse sugar (for rolling)
  • Optional: Turbinado sugar for extra crunch

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour coarse sugar into a small bowl for rolling.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and dark brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Beat in egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well blended.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Use a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough balls (about 1.5 tbsp each). Roll each ball in coarse sugar until thoroughly coated.
  7. Place dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until tops crack and edges are set. Centers should remain slightly soft.
  9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Notes

For best crackled tops, roll dough balls generously in coarse or turbinado sugar and do not flatten before baking. Chilling the dough is optional but helps prevent spreading in warm kitchens. Cookies freeze well and can be baked straight from frozen with a slight increase in bake time. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use a gluten-free flour blend and vegan butter/flax egg. Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or apple to keep them soft.

Nutrition

Keywords: ginger molasses cookies, crackled sugar tops, holiday cookies, chewy cookies, spiced cookies, easy cookie recipe, Christmas cookies, comfort food, homemade cookies

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/ginger-molasses-cookies-easy-homemade-recipe-with-crackled-sugar-tops/