The warm aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses fills the kitchen as these cookies bake to perfection. Soft, chewy, and bursting with holiday spices, each bite is complemented by the creamy sweetness of white chocolate chips.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy evening at home, these cookies are an absolute treat for the season. Their rich flavor and beautiful golden-brown hue make them a standout on any cookie tray. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to bring joy.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the molasses and egg, beating until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Fold in the white chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 165 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
Origin and Inspiration
These Ginger Molasses White Chocolate Cookies are a festive twist on traditional ginger molasses cookies, a classic treat with deep roots in holiday baking. The combination of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with the rich, dark sweetness of molasses creates a nostalgic flavor that has been cherished for generations. By adding creamy white chocolate chips, this recipe modernizes the classic, offering a delightful balance between spice and sweetness. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift, these cookies bring joy and warmth to the season.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature to achieve a smooth and consistent dough.
- Molasses Selection: Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor. Avoid blackstrap molasses, as it may taste too bitter for this recipe.
- White Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips or even chop a white chocolate bar for richer flavor.
- Chilling the Dough: While not necessary, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies maintain their shape and enhance the flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Storage and Freezing
- Storage: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing Dough: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough into portions, freeze on a baking sheet until firm, and transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze well once baked. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Customization Ideas
- Dark Chocolate Variation: Swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor contrast.
- Candied Ginger: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped candied ginger to enhance the spiciness and texture.
- Citrus Twist: Mix in 1 teaspoon of orange zest for a refreshing citrus hint.
- Icing Drizzle: Drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for added sweetness and decoration.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These cookies stand out for their soft, chewy texture and delightful blend of warm spices and sweet white chocolate. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients, making it a go-to for last-minute holiday baking. Their beautiful golden-brown color and festive flavor make them a favorite for cookie exchanges, dessert platters, or just a cozy treat at home.
What Makes These Cookies Special?
- The Flavor Profile: The deep, rich flavor of molasses pairs beautifully with the spice of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, while the white chocolate chips add a creamy sweetness that complements the bold spices.
- Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy, with slightly crisp edges—a texture combination that makes them utterly irresistible.
- Holiday Feel: The aroma of spices and molasses baking in the oven fills your home with a warm, festive feeling, making these cookies a perfect choice for the season.
Cooking and Baking Tips
- Use Fresh Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves lose their potency over time. If your spices have been sitting in the pantry for a while, consider replacing them for maximum flavor.
- Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter creams better with sugar, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cookie dough.
- Perfectly Sized Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size and even baking.
Serving Suggestions
- With Beverages: These cookies pair wonderfully with hot drinks like spiced tea, coffee, or even mulled wine for a cozy treat.
- Festive Platters: Add them to a holiday cookie platter alongside shortbread, sugar cookies, and chocolate crinkle cookies for variety.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use the cookies as a base for making decadent ice cream sandwiches. Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream works exceptionally well!
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Prepare Ahead: The dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This can also enhance the flavors.
- Storing Baked Cookies: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and chewiness.
- Freezing Tips: The dough freezes well for up to 3 months. Scoop it into balls, freeze on a tray, and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Healthier Variations
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and added fiber.
- Reduced Sugar: Reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup for a less sweet but still delicious cookie.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and dairy-free white chocolate chips to accommodate dietary preferences.
Fun Facts About Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Ginger has been used in baking since medieval times, prized for its ability to add warmth and spice to sweet treats.
- Molasses cookies were popular during the Great Depression because molasses was an affordable sweetener compared to sugar.
- Adding white chocolate to ginger cookies is a relatively modern twist, reflecting the trend of blending classic recipes with contemporary flavors.
Conclusion
Ginger Molasses White Chocolate Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Their warm spices, soft texture, and creamy white chocolate make them perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a comforting treat. Easy to make and sure to impress, these cookies are a must-try for your baking collection.