These Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. With just a few simple ingredients and 27 minutes from start to finish, they make the ultimate holiday treat. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, gifting to friends, or just want your home to smell like Christmas, this recipe is a keeper.

A Classic Cookie with Holiday Roots

Ginger molasses cookies have been a winter tradition for centuries, inspired by European spiced biscuits that were enjoyed during festive celebrations. Molasses, with its deep caramel flavor, blends beautifully with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, creating that warm and cozy taste we associate with Christmas. These cookies bring nostalgia and comfort with every bite, making them a staple on holiday dessert tables around the world.

Why Molasses and Spices Work So Well

Molasses adds more than sweetness — it provides moisture and a soft chew, giving these cookies their irresistible texture. Paired with warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, the result is a balance of sweet, spicy, and earthy notes that make these cookies unforgettable. Every ingredient plays a role: ginger brings heat, cinnamon adds depth, and cloves tie it all together for that authentic Christmas flavor.

Baking These Cookies at Home

This recipe is simple and beginner-friendly, yet it delivers bakery-style results. You’ll cream butter and sugar for a light texture, then mix in molasses and an egg before folding in the spiced flour blend. Once shaped into dough balls, they bake quickly, filling your kitchen with that unmistakable holiday aroma. The best part? They’re ready in under half an hour, making them perfect for last-minute baking during the busy holiday season.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup molasses
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp cloves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and molasses, mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Recipe Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Sugar: 10g

Ginger Molasses Christmas Cookies

Q1: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can store the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply bake as directed when ready.

Q2: Why are my cookies too hard?

Overbaking is the most common reason. For soft, chewy cookies, take them out while the centers still look slightly underbaked — they’ll continue to set as they cool.

Q3: Can I substitute the molasses?

You can use dark corn syrup, maple syrup, or honey, but the flavor will be slightly different. For the classic Christmas taste, molasses is best.

Q4: How do I store these cookies?

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I add sugar coating?

Yes! Roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking for an extra festive sparkle and crunch.