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Nothing says Christmas like the aroma of freshly baked Chewy Molasses Christmas Cookies. With their deep, rich flavor and perfect chewy texture, these cookies capture the warmth of holiday spices and bring nostalgia to every bite. They’re an ideal treat for cozy gatherings, holiday cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate by the fire. If you’re looking for a cookie that’s soft in the center, crisp on the edges, and packed with holiday flavor, these molasses cookies are a must-bake!
Benefits of Making Chewy Molasses Christmas Cookies
- Holiday Aroma: The smell of molasses and spices like cinnamon and ginger fills your home with a holiday atmosphere.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies are crispy on the outside and wonderfully chewy on the inside, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared ahead of time, making it easy to bake fresh batches during the holidays.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of molasses and spices creates a rich, deep flavor that is deliciously festive.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare and bake these classic holiday cookies:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Sifter or fine-mesh sieve for the dry ingredients
- Small bowl for rolling dough balls in sugar
Once you’ve gathered your tools, you’re all set to begin!
Preparation Tips
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a better texture.
- Roll in Sugar: Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking gives the cookies a nice crackled surface and a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Avoid Overbaking: Bake until edges are set, but centers are still soft for a perfectly chewy texture.
Full Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and molasses, mixing until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
- Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have a crackled appearance.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Variations
- Spiced Orange Molasses Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
- Double Ginger Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped crystallized ginger for an extra punch of ginger flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free version.
Yield & Serving
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of each dough ball.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 1.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 5.5 g |
Side Dish Recommendations
These cookies are a match made in heaven with a warm cup of spiced cider, a cozy chai latte, or hot chocolate. They’re also wonderful served alongside a holiday dessert platter with other seasonal treats like gingerbread or sugar cookies.
Tips, Notes, Storing, and Serving
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serving Tips: For a holiday gathering, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a snow-kissed effect.
- Gifting Idea: Place cookies in a festive tin with a sprig of holly or ribbon for a thoughtful holiday gift.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
- Dough Too Sticky: If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Cookies Spread Too Much: Ensure the dough is cold before baking, and avoid placing dough balls too close together on the baking sheet.
- Overbaking: To maintain the chewy texture, remove the cookies when the edges are set, even if the centers look slightly underdone.
FAQs about Chewy Molasses Christmas Cookies
- How long does it take to make this recipe?
- Prep and baking time together are about 1 hour, including chilling time.
- Can I substitute certain ingredients?
- Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar, or use a gluten-free flour blend.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
- Absolutely! This is a simple recipe with classic steps, perfect for bakers of any level.
- What can I serve this with?
- These cookies pair wonderfully with holiday drinks like hot cocoa, spiced lattes, or eggnog.
Chewy Molasses Christmas Cookies are a beloved holiday classic, bringing warmth and festive flavor to every bite. With their perfectly balanced spices and molasses richness, these cookies are bound to become a staple in your holiday baking lineup. Whether enjoyed as a treat on a cold day, shared with friends and family, or packed up for a cozy gift, these cookies add a touch of joy to the season. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to spread some holiday cheer with these deliciously chewy molasses cookies!
Print
Chewy Molasses Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and molasses, mixing until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
- Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have a crackled appearance.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serving Tips: For a holiday gathering, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a snow-kissed effect.
- Gifting Idea: Place cookies in a festive tin with a sprig of holly or ribbon for a thoughtful holiday gift.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 5.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Protein: 1.3 g