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To make wonderful Molasses Spice Cookies, gather these key ingredients: - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground cloves - ½ teaspoon salt - ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 large egg - ½ cup molasses These ingredients create a rich flavor with warmth and spice. The all-purpose flour gives structure. Baking soda helps the cookies rise. The spices add a cozy touch. You can also add more flavor with: - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling) Vanilla extract enhances sweetness while the granulated sugar adds a lovely crunch on the outside. If you seek alternatives, consider these options: - Gluten-free flour options: Use a gluten-free blend instead of all-purpose flour. - Vegan alternatives: Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, and use flaxseed for the egg. These substitutions keep the cookies tasty for different diets. For the full recipe, check the complete guide above. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step keeps your cookies from sticking. Next, in a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine 2 ½ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground cloves, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together well. Set this bowl aside for later use. In a large mixing bowl, cream together ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Mix until it looks light and fluffy. This takes about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Now, beat in 1 large egg, ½ cup of molasses, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies soft. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball and then roll it in ½ cup of granulated sugar until coated. This sugar coating adds a nice crunch. Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Watch for the cookies to spread slightly. The edges should be firm, but the centers remain soft. Once baked, remove them from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. For the full recipe, refer to the instructions above. To get the best cookies, start with room-temperature butter. Cold butter does not mix well. It can lead to hard cookies. Softened butter creams nicely with sugar. This step is key. Mixing too much can ruin your cookies. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stop mixing. Overmixing adds too much air and makes cookies tough. Your dough should be soft and slightly sticky. You can save time by making dough in advance. Chill the dough in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready, just scoop and bake. This method also helps the flavors develop. Use a cookie scoop for quick portioning. It creates even-sized cookies and speeds up the process. A silicone mat can also save time on cleanup. Serve your cookies on a colorful plate. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds charm. For a cozy touch, pair them with hot apple cider. The warmth of the cider complements the spices in the cookies perfectly. These molasses spice cookies also shine with a cup of coffee or tea. Their rich flavors go well with warm drinks. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for serving suggestions. {{image_2}} You can make molasses spice cookies even more fun by adding chocolate chips or nuts. Chocolate chips add a rich sweetness, while nuts give a nice crunch. Try walnuts or pecans for a delicious twist. You can also experiment with different spices. Instead of just ginger and cinnamon, add nutmeg or cardamom. These spices bring a warm and cozy feel to the cookies. Changing the shape of your cookies is easy and fun. You can make them bigger or smaller, depending on your mood. Use a cookie cutter for fun shapes like hearts or stars. You can even shape them into bars for easier serving. Each shape adds a new fun factor to your baking! If you need gluten-free or dairy-free cookies, there are simple swaps. Use gluten-free flour blends to replace all-purpose flour. For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter. These adaptations keep the cookies tasty while meeting different dietary needs. Check the Full Recipe for all the details you need to bake these delightful treats! To keep your molasses spice cookies fresh, use airtight containers. Glass jars or plastic bins work well. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Store your cookies at room temperature. Refrigeration can dry them out. You can freeze your cookies for later. To freeze before baking, scoop the dough into balls. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the balls to a freezer bag. Seal tightly and store for up to three months. To bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. To freeze after baking, let the cookies cool completely. Place them in a single layer in a freezer bag. You can stack them if you add parchment paper between layers. These cookies will last for about three months in the freezer. Your molasses spice cookies can stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. If stored properly, they can last up to three months in the freezer. Look for signs of spoilage like a hard texture or an off smell. If they seem dry or crumbly, it's time to toss them. Enjoy your cookies while they are still soft and tasty! Yes, you can. Use honey or maple syrup as substitutes. These options add sweetness but change the flavor. Honey gives a floral taste. Maple syrup offers a rich, woody note. Both will affect the cookies’ texture. They might be softer and less chewy. Look for a few signs. The edges should be firm, while the center stays soft. You can also touch the cookie lightly. If it springs back, it’s done. Another tip is to look for a slight shine on top. This means they are ready to come out. So many options exist! Pair these cookies with hot apple cider for a warm treat. You can also serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a delightful addition. For a special touch, try a spiced dessert like pumpkin pie. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! We explored the key ingredients, steps, and tips for making molasses spice cookies. Remember, using the right spices and sweeteners can bring the flavors to life. Don't forget the fun variations you can try and how to store your cookies for freshness. These cookies are not just a treat; they are a chance to get creative in the kitchen. I encourage you to experiment with flavors and share these delightful cookies with friends and family. Happy baking!

Molasses Spice Cookies

Indulge in the warm, spicy goodness of homemade molasses spice cookies! This easy recipe combines rich molasses, butter, and a blend of aromatic spices to create the perfect treat for any occasion. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have 24 delicious cookies ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes.Dive into baking today!
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Ingredients
  

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground cloves

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 large egg

½ cup molasses

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.

        Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.

          Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

            Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until coated.

              Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread slightly and the edges are firm but the centers are still soft.

                  Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Consider serving with a side of hot apple cider for a cozy treat!