Chocolate Molasses Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving something uniquely cozy and bursting with rich, warm spices, you’re in the right place. I’m going to share my foolproof Chocolate Molasses Cookies Recipe that always brings a little magic to my kitchen. These cookies are perfectly chewy, deeply flavored with molasses and spices, and just the right hint of chocolate to make you swoon. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be baking it again and again!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how these ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s both sweet and spicy, with a subtle chocolate twist. When you shop for these, keep an eye out for fresh spices and good-quality molasses; they truly make a difference.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping cookies tender.
• Ground ginger, cloves, nutmeg: These warm spices bring seasonal coziness and complexity.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a hint of chocolate bitterness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
• Baking powder: Gives just the right lift without making cookies cakey.
• Butter (room temperature): Creamy butter helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Fresh grated ginger: Gives a bright, zingy punch that elevates the molasses’ sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Adds moistness and depth thanks to its molasses content.
• Molasses: The star ingredient—deep, rich, and sticky-sweet.
• Semi-sweet chocolate: Chunky bits melt into pockets of gooey goodness.
• Granulated sugar: For rolling the cookie dough to give a subtle sugary crust on top.

Make It Your Way

This Chocolate Molasses Cookies Recipe is like a blank canvas for your taste buds. I often switch up the amount of fresh ginger or add a pinch of cinnamon just to see how the flavor morphs. You can totally make it your own.

• Variation: One time, I swapped semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate chunks for a richer cocoa punch, and my family was hooked.
• Diet-friendly: You can swap regular butter for plant-based alternatives to make these vegan—just make sure your chocolate is dairy-free.
• Seasonal twists: Add a dash of orange zest or replace fresh ginger with ground ginger for a different zing when fresh isn’t available.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Molasses Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients Carefully

I like to whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cloves, nutmeg, cocoa powder, and baking powder in a big bowl until everything looks evenly combined. This ensures every cookie gets the perfect spice balance and no clumps of cocoa powder sneak through. It’s simple but sets the base for success.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars with Fresh Ginger

In a separate bowl, I beat the room-temperature butter with fresh grated ginger, brown sugar, and molasses until it’s light, creamy, and fluffy. This takes a few minutes with a hand mixer, but trust me, it’s worth it—the dough feels luxurious and carries amazing aroma. If you skip this, the cookies won’t be as tender or flavorful.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Gently

Next, add the flour mixture into the molasses mixture gradually, about half a cup at a time, beating on low speed. This slow approach prevents overmixing and keeps the dough tender. Once all flour is incorporated, fold in the roughly chopped semi-sweet chocolate chunks by hand — this way, pockets of melty chocolate surprise your bites.

Step 4: Chill the Dough for Better Texture

Wrap your cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This step is a game changer — chilling firms up the dough so cookies hold their shape and the flavors deepen. I sometimes prep the dough the night before and bake the next day, which makes things super easy.

Step 5: Shape, Sugar, and Bake

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 325°F. Roll the chilled dough into small balls, then coat each in granulated sugar for a delicate sparkle and slight crunch on top. Arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving enough space so they don’t merge. Bake for about 12 minutes, watching for the tops to crack slightly — that’s your cue that magic has happened.

How to Serve Chocolate Molasses Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to serve these cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a little extra grated fresh ginger on top for a punch of aroma. Sometimes just a small drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top makes them look fancy and adds an extra chocolate hit that guests love.

Side Dishes

Pair these warm, spiced cookies with a cold glass of milk or a rich cup of chai tea. I’ve even enjoyed them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or crumbled over warm apple crisp for a fun twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I stack these cookies tied with rustic twine and a sprig of rosemary—it looks inviting and smells incredible. You can also arrange them on a wooden board with dried fruit and nuts for a cozy dessert platter that’s sure to wow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, which keeps them perfectly soft but a tiny bit chewy on the outside. If you like them softer, pop in a slice of bread inside the container—the cookies will soak up the moisture.

Freezing

This dough freezes beautifully! I portion balls on a lined tray, freeze them solid, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you want cookies, bake straight from frozen—add a couple extra minutes to baking time and enjoy fresh-baked treats anytime.

Reheating

To revive day-old cookies, microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes to bring back that just-baked softness. I do this often when serving for guests—their “fresh-from-the-oven” taste surprises everyone every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Molasses Cookies Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites and comforting go-to treats. It’s a little old-school and a little sophisticated with that chocolate kick. If you try this recipe, I’m confident you’ll feel the same way—like it’s a cozy hug in cookie form. So, grab your ingredients, get those spatulas ready, and let’s bake some happiness together!

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