Super Ginger Molasses Cookies: The Ultimate Chewy Holiday Treat

When it comes to holiday baking, few cookies bring the same warmth and nostalgia as Super Ginger Molasses Cookies. These chewy, spiced delights combine the bold bite of ginger with the rich sweetness of molasses, all wrapped in a soft, sugar-dusted crinkle. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting cookie tins, or just indulging in a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are the ultimate comfort dessert. In this article, you’ll learn exactly what makes them special, the best ingredients to use, how to bake them perfectly, and how to store or freeze them for later.

Looking for inspiration? Try our molasses cookies enjoyable recipe to compare flavor twists.

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What Makes These Super Ginger Molasses Cookies So Special?

The bold flavor profile: ginger, molasses, and spice

These cookies are a powerhouse of flavor. What sets them apart is the triple-spice blend: ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Combined with rich unsulphured molasses, they deliver a deep, complex warmth that’s hard to resist. The flavor lingers — just enough heat from the ginger, balanced by sweet and earthy undertones from the molasses.

A cookie loved across generations

There’s a reason molasses cookies have stood the test of time. Passed down through generations, this classic treat bridges nostalgia and modern cravings. From grandparents to grandkids, everyone loves the chewy texture and warming spice. These cookies are often found in family recipe boxes and make their way to every winter holiday table — just like grandma made, only with an upgrade.

Why these cookies are perfect for holidays and beyond

While these are a holiday favorite, their cozy flavor profile makes them a year-round hit. They pair beautifully with a hot mug of cider in the fall, or as an afternoon tea treat in the winter. You can even gift them in cookie tins or freeze batches ahead of a party. Don’t miss our pumpkin cream cheese muffins if you want another festive option.

Ingredients That Elevate This Classic Cookie

The magic of unsulphured molasses

This isn’t just any sweetener — molasses adds richness, depth, and moisture. Unsulphured molasses is less processed and more flavorful, making it the ideal choice for baking. It gives these cookies their signature taste: earthy, caramel-like, and slightly smoky.

Ingredient	Why It Matters
Unsulphured Molasses	Adds richness and soft texture
Ground Ginger	Provides the spicy backbone
Cinnamon & Cloves	Create warm, aromatic complexity
Butter	Essential for chew and moisture
Brown Sugar	Boosts softness and molasses flavor

Choosing the right spices for balance and warmth

Ginger is the star, but the support cast of cinnamon and cloves can’t be overlooked. Use freshly ground spices if possible for maximum flavor. Want more spice? Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or some chopped crystallized ginger for a fiery kick. Check out our white chocolate chai pumpkin snickerdoodles for another layered spice dessert.

Butter, brown sugar, and their chewy magic

Butter — softened, not melted — creams perfectly with brown sugar, creating air pockets that lead to a pillowy texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and molasses undertones, making the cookies soft in the center with those irresistible crackly tops.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Super Ginger Molasses Cookies

Prepping the dough for the perfect texture

Begin by whisking together the dry ingredients — flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until fluffy and pale. Add eggs one at a time, followed by molasses. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. The dough should be sticky but sturdy.

Pro Tip: Use a stand mixer for smoother blending, especially with thick dough like this.

The key to chilling: don’t skip this step

This is the golden rule for molasses cookies. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours to firm it up. Why? The high butter content, combined with molasses, can cause the dough to spread too thin during baking. Chilling helps the dough hold shape and results in that iconic chewy middle and crisp edge.

Discover great ideas like our cinnamon apple bourbon smash to pair with your cookies for a cozy night in.

Baking and cooling: achieving the signature crinkle

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat them in sugar. Bake for 8–10 minutes until they puff and start to crack. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a rack. They’ll finish setting as they cool, resulting in a chewy center and perfect crinkle on top.

Check out our spiral Halloween cookies for another fun and festive bake.

Expert Tips and Delicious Variations

Adding crystallized ginger for a fiery kick

Want a punchier ginger flavor? Fold in finely chopped crystallized ginger before chilling the dough. It delivers tiny pops of spicy heat in every bite, and adds chewy texture to the cookie itself. Start with ¼ cup and adjust to taste. For an extra festive look, sprinkle a few pieces on top before baking.

Frosting ideas to elevate your cookie

Though these cookies are stunning on their own, adding a simple glaze can take them over the top. A vanilla drizzle or cream cheese frosting works wonders when you want to dress them up for a cookie exchange or party. Let the cookies cool completely before adding any topping. Don’t miss our 4-ingredient Ritz s’mores cookies for another fun way to elevate simple ingredients.

Making them gluten-free or vegan

If you’re baking for dietary needs, no problem. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour with xanthan gum. To make it vegan, swap butter for plant-based margarine and use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg). The result? Still chewy, still spiced, still irresistible.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips

How to keep them soft for days

Store your Super Ginger Molasses Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To retain that signature softness, toss a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture and stay fresh longer.

Storage Method	Duration	Tip
Room Temp	4–5 days	Add bread slice to container
Fridge	1 week	Use airtight glassware
Freezer (Baked)	3 months	Wrap in parchment and foil
Freezer (Dough)	3 months	Scoop into balls before freezing

Freezing dough vs. baked cookies

If you love prepping ahead, roll dough into balls, coat in sugar, and flash freeze them on a baking tray. Once solid, transfer to a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen—just add 2 extra minutes to the baking time. Frozen dough = fresh cookies on demand.

Prepping for cookie swaps or holiday tins

These cookies ship well when cooled completely and packed in layers with parchment between. They’re ideal for cookie exchanges, office gifts, and festive tins. Want more ideas? Check out our twix thumbprint cookies for another crowd-pleaser to include.

FAQs About Super Ginger Molasses Cookies

Final Thoughts on These Spiced Chewy Cookies

Whether you’re whipping them up for the holidays, cookie swaps, or a simple weekend treat, Super Ginger Molasses Cookies offer the perfect combo of warmth, spice, and softness. They’re easy to make, freeze beautifully, and deliver old-school flavor with a modern twist. Don’t miss our carrot cake cookies if you’re looking to add another soft spiced treat to your baking list.

These cookies are more than a dessert—they’re a nostalgic bite of joy wrapped in sugary comfort. Bake a batch, share with friends, and let the aroma of ginger and molasses bring warmth to your kitchen all season long.

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