Soft & Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies (2024)

These ginger molasses cookies are thick and chewy with a delicious molasses flavor. They’re made with brown sugar and the perfect amount of warm spices to create a cookie that’s flavorful, extra soft, and easy to make.

**This recipe was first published December 14, 2015 and updated December 3, 2019**

I love making these ginger molasses cookies over Christmas, but there’s no reason not to enjoy them all year long.These cookies are chewy, ridiculously soft, filled with spices and rolled in sugar for extra texture. They way easier and less fussy than making gingerbread men,and you end up with a cookie that’s even more flavorful with a warm ginger molasses flavor.

I make these ginger molasses cookies every Christmas, and everyone is always surprised by just how delicious they are.

The Secrets To Soft, Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

• The delicious rich flavor comes from brown sugar, molasses & a healthy dose of spices. I recommend using dark molasses instead of light, but I’d stay away from blackstrap because it can be overwhelming.
• Then for spices – we’re using ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg & ground cloves. If the delicious aroma doesn’t get you feeling festive – I’d recommend another eggnog.
• The dark brown sugar & molasses add moisture to keep them soft and chewy.
• Chilling the dough for 30 minutes keeps the cookies thick.
• The cookie dough is formed into balls, rolled in sugar for extra crunch, and then baked. Slightly underbaking the cookies keeps them even softer.

Note: the cookies will turn out if you don’t chill the dough. However, because the dough is quite thin, it makes it more challenging to roll the dough into balls without chilling first.

Make-ahead & Freezing Instructions:

• The dough can be made, covered and chilled for up to 24 hours. Then form into balls, roll in sugar and bake.
• To freeze the cookie dough:
  • Make the dough according to the recipe instructions.
  • Roll the dough into balls (do not roll in sugar), place on a plate, cover, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  • Then place the dough balls in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
  • When ready to bake, roll the balls in sugar and bake according to the recipe instructions below. The cookies will need to bake for 1-2 minutes longer.
• Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool the cookies fully before freezing. Thaw the cookies in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before enjoying.

For more details on freezing – you can also check out this whole post I did on freezing cookie dough.

Without fail, I make these ginger molasses cookies every Christmas. They have the perfect ginger molasses flavor, and the softest, chewiest texture. Make them along with shortbread and some sugar cookies for the perfect Christmas cookie platter.

Or if you love gingerbread, make sure to try:

• Gingerbread Pancakes
• Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Gingerbread Bundt Cake
• Ginger Molasses Sandwich Cookies with Eggnog Frosting