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To make chewy ginger molasses cookies, gather these ingredients: - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons ground ginger - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark) - 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses - 1 large egg, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling) When selecting ingredients, choose high-quality butter for a rich flavor. Look for fresh spices, as they add depth. Use unsulfured molasses for a pure taste. If you have allergies or dietary needs, here are some good alternatives: - Use gluten-free flour if needed. - Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. - Replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mix for a vegan option. - Use maple syrup instead of molasses for a different flavor. For healthier options, consider organic ingredients. Organic butter and sugar have fewer additives and taste better. Before you start, make sure to have these pantry essentials: - Baking soda helps the cookies rise. - Unsalted butter gives you control over salt levels. You will also need some recommended tools: - A large mixing bowl for combining ingredients. - An electric mixer for creaming butter and sugar. - A baking sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup. - A wire rack for cooling the cookies evenly. 1. Preheating the oven: Start by turning your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat helps the cookies bake evenly. Don't forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps keep the cookies from sticking. 2. Mixing dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mix until everything is well blended. This step is key for even flavor in your cookies. 1. Creaming butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar with an electric mixer. Mix for about 2 to 3 minutes. The mix should be creamy and fluffy. 2. Adding wet components: Next, add the unsulfured molasses, room temperature egg, and pure vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until all is well combined. This should take 1 to 2 minutes. 1. Chilling process: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape. 2. Rolling and arranging on the baking sheet: After chilling, take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated. Then, place them on the baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each ball for spreading. To get that chewy texture, pay attention to your ingredients. Use room temperature butter and egg. This helps them blend well. Cold butter can make your cookies dense. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes is key. It firms up the dough, keeping cookies from spreading too much. How do you know when your cookies are done? Look for slightly set edges. The centers should still look soft. Don't worry; they will firm up as they cool. To avoid flat cookies, roll the dough into tight balls. Place them well apart on the baking sheet. For serving, place cookies on a colorful plate. A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds charm. You can also wrap a few in clear bags with ribbons for gifts. Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. These pairings enhance their rich flavors. {{image_4}} You can make your chewy ginger molasses cookies even better! Try adding chocolate chips or nuts. Both options give a nice twist to the classic flavor. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture. Dark chocolate chips can provide a rich taste that balances the spice. You can also explore different spices. Instead of just ginger and cinnamon, try adding allspice or nutmeg. These spices can enhance the warmth and depth of flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a fun kick, too! If you need gluten-free cookies, you can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum to help with texture. This way, you can still enjoy the chewy goodness without gluten. For vegan cookies, swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) instead of the egg. This will keep your cookies moist and chewy. You can create holiday-themed cookies by adding festive decorations. Roll the dough in colored sugars for a fun look. Adding a bit of orange zest can give a nice seasonal flavor, too. For special events, like birthdays, consider adding sprinkles to the dough. You can also shape the cookies into fun forms using cookie cutters. This makes them great for any celebration! To keep your chewy ginger molasses cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain moisture and flavor. If you have a lot of cookies, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Use a container made of glass or plastic with a tight seal for best results. You can freeze both the dough and baked cookies. To freeze the dough, shape it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. For baked cookies, let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. To thaw cookie dough, leave it in the fridge overnight. For baked cookies, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore that fresh-baked taste. When stored properly, baked cookies last about one week at room temperature. In the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. If you freeze them, they can stay fresh for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage, like mold or an off smell, before eating. Yes, you can try alternatives like honey or maple syrup. These options will change the flavor and texture. Honey adds sweetness and moisture. Maple syrup gives a unique taste but may be thinner. You may want to reduce other liquids to keep the dough right. To lower the sweetness, reduce the brown sugar. Try using 3/4 cup instead of 1 cup. You can also cut down the granulated sugar used for rolling. This change helps balance the flavors without losing the cookie’s charm. If the dough is sticky, chill it longer. Place it in the fridge for an extra 10-15 minutes. Adding a little more flour helps too, but do it slowly. Mix in 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough is easy to handle. Look for edges that are dark brown. The center should feel soft but not liquid. If the cookies are hard all over, they are likely overbaked. Aim for a slightly soft center as they will firm up after cooling. This post covers all you need to know about baking cookies. We explored key ingredients, measurements, and quality tips for selection. You learned about useful substitutions for allergies and healthier options. The step-by-step instructions help you create the perfect cookie shape and texture. Remember the baking tips for a great result. Lastly, I’ve shared storage methods to keep your cookies fresh. Enjoy your baking journey and let creativity lead your recipes!

Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

Indulge in the warm, spicy flavors of chewy ginger molasses cookies! This easy recipe combines simple ingredients to create a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. With just a few steps, you’ll whip up soft, chewy cookies that are bursting with rich flavors. Want to impress your friends and family? Click to discover how to make these irresistible cookies and bring the scent of fresh baking into your home!
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Ingredients
  

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)

1/2 cup unsulfured molasses

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling the cookies)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will help prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

    Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until well blended. This will ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cookies. Set this mixture aside.

      Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar together on medium speed. Mix for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is creamy, fluffy, and light in color.

        Add Wet Ingredients: To the creamed butter and sugar, add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until everything is fully incorporated, which should take an additional 1-2 minutes.

          Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients a little at a time. Mix on low speed until just combined—this prevents overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies.

            Chill the Dough: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape when baking.

              Shape and Roll Cookies: Once chilled, take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball between your palms. Then, roll each ball in the bowl of granulated sugar until fully coated.

                Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each ball to allow for spreading during baking.

                  Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Look for slightly set edges while the centers remain soft. The cookies will continue to firm up a bit as they cool.

                    Cool the Cookies: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                      Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 24 cookies

                        - Presentation Tips: For a delightful display, serve the cookies on a decorative plate with a light dusting of cinnamon on top. Alternatively, package a few in a clear bag tied with a festive ribbon for an impressive gift. These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or your favorite warming tea. Enjoy!