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Virginia's Molasses Cookies

Soft, warmly spiced molasses cookies are made with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and a sparkly sugar coating. These classic cookies bake up tender in the center with lightly crinkled tops and cozy old-fashioned flavor.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Baked Goods, Cookies, Dessert, Family Favorites, Holiday Treats
Cuisine: American
Calories: 135
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar for the dough
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  3. Beat in the egg.
  4. Add the molasses and mix until well combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
  6. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
  7. If the dough is too sticky to roll, let it rest for 10 minutes or chill for 15–20 minutes.
  8. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls.
  9. Roll each dough ball in the extra granulated sugar until coated.
  10. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them.
  11. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the tops are puffed and lightly cracked.
  12. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

Do not overbake; the centers should look slightly soft when removed from the oven. Chill the dough briefly if your kitchen is warm or the dough feels sticky.