Description

Thick, dark, and impossibly chewy ginger cookies with a crackly sugar crust. This easy recipe delivers deep, complex flavor and a tender interior without requiring fancy equipment.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup (240ml) dark molasses
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and molasses, mixing until just combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days).
Scoop out portions of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat completely.
Place dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cookies should look set around the edges but still soft in the center.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and ensure a thick, chewy texture. Use dark molasses for robust flavor. Do not overbake; cookies will firm up as they cool. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 16
Sodium: 120
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 1
Protein: 2

Keywords: molasses cookies, ginger cookies, chewy cookies, holiday baking, easy cookie recipe, dark molasses, fall baking