Molasses Honey Ginger Cookies

There’s something truly special about cozying up with a batch of Molasses Honey Ginger Cookies during the fall season. Growing up, autumn was not just a time for sweater weather; it was also when my family baked these delightful cookies. The aroma of spices like ginger and cinnamon wafting through the house always signaled that the holidays were just around the corner. I fondly remember the excitement of cutting out fun shapes and decorating them with colorful icing, turning each cookie into a little work of art. These cookies are not only delicious but also carry the warmth of family traditions, making them a staple in our home. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or shared with friends during festive gatherings, Molasses Honey Ginger Cookies have a way of bringing everyone together, creating lasting memories.

Essential Ingredients for Molasses Honey Ginger Cookies

When creating the perfect batch of Molasses Honey Ginger Cookies, each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the right flavor and texture. The key players include molasses, which provides depth, and honey, adding a touch of natural sweetness. The spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves bring warmth and complexity, making these cookies not just tasty but also comforting.

• 1 cup shortening: This ingredient adds moisture and a tender texture to the cookies.
• 1 cup granulated white sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
• ½ cup molasses: Contributes a deep, rich flavor and moisture.
• ½ cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and a slight floral note.
• 2 large egg yolks: Help bind the ingredients together, adding richness.
• 4 cups all purpose flour: The main structure of the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for a lighter texture.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and a classic cookie aroma.
• 2 teaspoons ground cloves: Provides a bold, spicy flavor.
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger: The star spice that defines these cookies.
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of nutty warmth.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Used for icing, creating a sweet topping.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter: Enhances flavor in the icing.
• 1 tablespoon milk: Helps achieve the right icing consistency.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
• liquid food colorings and colored sugars: For decorating and enhancing visual appeal.

Recipe Directions for Molasses Honey Ginger Cookies

Making Molasses Honey Ginger Cookies is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Follow these steps to create your own batch. When you start, make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go.

1. First, in a large bowl, cream together the shortening, granulated sugar, molasses, and honey using an electric mixer. You want to mix until the mixture is well combined and fluffy, which usually takes about three to five minutes. The color will lighten slightly as air gets incorporated, giving it a nice, fluffy texture.
2. Next, add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to blend in the yolks smoothly without any lumps. You’ll notice the mixture becoming richer in color and creamier as you work.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices: cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Sifting is crucial as it incorporates air and breaks up any clumps that might affect the texture of your cookies.
4. Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to combine them gently. You’ll know it’s ready when no dry flour is visible and the dough is starting to come together nicely. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one to two hours. This chilling period is essential as it firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out later. You can tell it’s ready when it’s quite firm to the touch.
6. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for baking cookies, allowing them to cook evenly without burning.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about a quarter inch. Make sure to keep the surface floured to prevent sticking. You want to achieve a nice flat surface that’s easy to work with.
8. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters of your choice. Transfer the cut-out shapes to lightly greased cookie sheets, spacing them about an inch apart as they will spread slightly while baking.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for eight to ten minutes. Watch them closely; they should be firm around the edges but still soft in the middle when done. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
10. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes until they become firm enough to handle. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to ensure they maintain their shape and don’t become soggy.
11. Meanwhile, in a different bowl, prepare the icing by beating together the powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
12. If you wish to add color to your icing, divide it among smaller bowls and tint with various liquid food colorings. This is where you can get creative and make the decorations festive and fun!
13. Finally, decorate your cooled cookies with the prepared icing and top them with colored sugars. Let the icing set before serving to ensure it hardens slightly, making them easier to handle.

Making Adjustments

Every baker has their own touch, and adjusting recipes can make a big difference. Here are some ideas to customize your Molasses Honey Ginger Cookies.

• Storage: Place leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Flavor variations: Experiment with different spices, such as allspice or cardamom, for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if necessary to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Serve This Molasses Honey Ginger Cookies With

These cookies are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some great ideas:

• With tea or coffee: A perfect pairing for your afternoon or evening beverage, enhancing the comforting flavors of the cookies.
• As a holiday treat: Ideal for holiday gatherings, these cookies can be a centerpiece on dessert tables during Thanksgiving or Christmas parties.
• For family gatherings: Bake a batch for your next family get-together or picnic, where they can be enjoyed by everyone.
• As gifts: Wrap a few cookies in a decorative box to give as a sweet gift during the holidays or for special occasions.
• With ice cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• Storage tips: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container; they can last for up to a week at room temperature.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Molasses Honey Ginger Cookies are a wonderful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, whether for yourself or to share with loved ones. Baking these cookies not only fills your home with delightful aromas but also creates lasting memories with every bite. So roll up your sleeves and start baking today!

Molasses Honey Ginger Cookies

The ultimate comfort food, Molasses Honey Ginger Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with rich flavors. Perfect for your fall gatherings, these sweet treats will have everyone asking for the recipe. Bake a batch today and experience the warm, inviting aromas filling your kitchen!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 53 minutes mins

Servings: 36 cookies

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Shortening
• 1 cup Granulated white sugar
• ½ cup Molasses
• ½ cup Honey
• 2 large Egg yolks
• 4 cups All purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons Ground cloves
• 2 teaspoons Ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 1 cup Powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon Melted butter
• 1 tablespoon Milk
• ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
• Liquid food colorings and colored sugars

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Oven

Method

 

1. First, in a large bowl, cream together the shortening, granulated sugar, molasses, and honey using an electric mixer.
2. Next, add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices: cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg.
4. Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one to two hours.
6. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about a quarter inch.
8. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters of your choice.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for eight to ten minutes.
10. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes until they become firm enough to handle.
11. Meanwhile, in a different bowl, prepare the icing by beating together the powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
12. If you wish to add color to your icing, divide it among smaller bowls and tint with various liquid food colorings.
13. Finally, decorate your cooled cookies with the prepared icing and top them with colored sugars.

Notes

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can freeze the cookie dough before baking.

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Meet Delilah Moon

We eat with our eyes first, and I strive to capture the energy of our food through photography. I am deeply involved in the cooking process, styling our dishes to show you exactly how appetizing they can be. I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative and confident in your own kitchen.