Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Coating
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the center.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and creamy.
- Add Egg and Molasses: Mix in the large egg and molasses to the creamed butter and sugars until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated and forming a dough.
- Shape Dough Balls: Form the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands, then roll each ball in the 1/3 cup granulated sugar to coat evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls spaced apart on the prepared parchment-lined cookie sheets.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft.
- Cool on Sheet: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer to Rack: Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
- Store: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking; they will firm up as they cool.
- Using parchment paper makes cleanup easy and prevents cookies from sticking.
- The molasses adds depth and chewiness; using unsulphured molasses ensures a milder flavor.
- You can adjust spices to taste; adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice is optional but complements the flavors.
- Cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American