These aromatic cookies carry the warmth of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, making them perfect for a cozy evening with a cup of tea. The molasses lends a deep, rich sweetness, while the sugary crust adds a delightful crunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar (either light or dark)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup light unsulphured molasses
Steps:
- Preparation: Set the oven to 350° F and position a rack in the middle. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Dry Ingredients: In a spacious bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices, whisking them until well blended. Keep this mix aside.
- Wet Mixture: Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, blend together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns creamy and pale, which should take around 2 minutes. Next, fold in the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses, continuing to beat until the mixture attains a light brown hue. This should take about 2 additional minutes.
- Combining Wet & Dry: With the mixer set on a low speed, steadily pour the flour mixture into the wet mixture, blending just until a dough forms.
- Shaping: In a different, smaller bowl, combine additional granulated sugar with some cinnamon to create a spiced sugar mix. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls, then roll each ball in the spiced sugar mix.
- Baking: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepped baking sheet, ensuring there’s about a 2-inch gap between each. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies develop a crinkled appearance and the edges are firm.
- Cooling: Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack so they can cool completely.
Enjoy these spiced molasses cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a comforting treat!
