Description

Soft and chewy molasses ginger cookies with a crackly sugar crust, made in just one bowl with no chilling required. Perfect for busy weeknights and fall baking.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for dough)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-4 minutes).
Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cream of tartar, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Optional: Chill the dough for 15-30 minutes for thicker cookies, or proceed immediately.
Place the rolling sugar in a small bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
Roll each dough ball in the sugar to coat completely, then press slightly to flatten.
Place dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set and slightly golden but centers still look soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

Do not skip the cream of tartar as it helps create the crackly top. Ensure butter is softened, not melted, to prevent excessive spreading. Underbake slightly for a chewy texture; cookies firm up as they cool. Dough can be frozen in balls and baked straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to bake time.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 80
Fat: 5
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 18
Fiber: 0.5
Protein: 1

Keywords: molasses ginger cookies, fall baking, easy cookie recipe, one bowl cookies, crackly sugar cookies, soft ginger cookies, holiday baking