Description

Soft, chewy molasses ginger cookies with crackly sugar tops that require zero chilling time, making them perfect for baking with kids.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
½ cup (120ml) regular or sweet molasses
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup (100g) extra coarse sugar (turbinado or demerara) for rolling

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes with a mixer).
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed or stir by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in extra coarse sugar to coat completely.
Place sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake for 10-11 minutes until edges are set and slightly cracked, but centers still look soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Ensure butter is softened but not melted for proper texture. Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender. Underbake slightly as cookies continue to cook on the hot pan. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 20
Sodium: 150
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 1
Protein: 2

Keywords: molasses ginger cookies, fall cookies, kid-friendly baking, crackly sugar cookies, easy cookie recipe, no chill cookies