Soft, Spiced, and Perfectly Sweet!
There’s something warm and nostalgic about Molasses Cookies—rich, chewy, and full of deep, spiced flavors. Add a zingy ginger glaze, and you have the perfect cookie for holidays, afternoon tea, or anytime you crave a comforting treat.
I love this recipe because it balances sweet and spicy flavors perfectly. The molasses keeps the cookies soft, while the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves give them that cozy, spiced aroma. And the ginger glaze? It adds a bright, slightly sweet kick that makes these cookies absolutely irresistible!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: What does molasses do in cookies?
Molasses adds moisture, making cookies chewy and soft. It also gives them a deep, rich sweetness with a hint of caramel.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be chilled for up to 2 days before baking. The cookies also stay soft for several days, making them perfect for gifting or meal prep.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough (rolled into balls) for up to 3 months. You can also freeze baked cookies—just glaze them after thawing.
Q: What’s the best molasses to use?
Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor. Avoid blackstrap molasses, as it’s more bitter and less sweet.
Q: Can I make these cookies without the glaze?
Yes! They’re delicious on their own, but the ginger glaze adds an extra layer of flavor that makes them even more special.
What You Need to Make Molasses Cookies with a Ginger Glaze
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
For the Ginger Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Molasses Cookies with a Ginger Glaze
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
Step 2: Chill & Roll the Dough
- Cover the dough and chill for 1 hour (this helps the cookies keep their shape).
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each in granulated sugar.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on the sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are soft.
- Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 4: Make the Ginger Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, ground ginger, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.
Tips for the Best Molasses Cookies
✔ Chill the dough – This prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
✔ Don’t overbake – The cookies should be soft in the center; they firm up as they cool.
✔ Use fresh spices – Freshly ground cinnamon and ginger will enhance the flavor.
✔ Let the glaze set – This helps it harden slightly and creates a perfect texture.
✔ Want extra spice? – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bold kick!
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “These cookies were amazing! The molasses flavor was perfect, and the ginger glaze added a nice zing.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “So soft and chewy! I love how the glaze complements the spices. Definitely making these again.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “Perfect holiday cookies! My family couldn’t stop eating them, and they stayed soft for days!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “I used blackstrap molasses, and they turned out a bit too strong—will try regular molasses next time!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “Best molasses cookies I’ve had! The glaze was a game-changer. Great recipe!”
Printable Recipe
Molasses Cookies With A Ginger Glaze
These Molasses Cookies with a Ginger Glaze are soft, spiced, and packed with flavor! A classic, chewy molasses cookie topped with a sweet, zesty ginger glaze.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- For the Ginger Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
Step 2: Chill & Roll the Dough
- Cover the dough and chill for 1 hour (this helps the cookies keep their shape).
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each in granulated sugar.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on the sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are soft.
- Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 4: Make the Ginger Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, ground ginger, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.
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