Amazing Starbucks Molasses Ginger Cookies

Some days baking feels like a total disaster because last Friday was one of those days. I decided to make Ginger Cookies after a long, messy week at work.

Honestly, I didn’t even know if I had all the ingredients, then I started mixing the dough and spilled a little flour everywhere, and it felt like my kitchen was attacking me, yet I couldn’t stop laughing because these little mishaps are kind of part of the fun, and Ginger Cookies.

Have you ever made cookies and thought “this looks nothing like the picture” because yeah, me too, more times than I can count, somehow the Ginger Cookies still tasted amazing even when they were a little cracked and one bite. Suddenly, everything felt better, like a tiny reward for surviving the chaos, which is why I keep coming back to Ginger Cookies, because they make baking feel fun instead of stressful.

I remember one evening when I tried to roll the dough into perfect balls and they kept sticking to my hands, so I gave up and just plopped them on the tray randomly, guess what, because they baked perfectly anyway and the cracks on top made them look homemade, and it made me realize sometimes perfection isn’t the goal because flavor are what really matter and Ginger Cookies remind me of that every time.

ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

ingredients notes

• Flour: This is what makes the cookies hold together. Make sure it’s soft and not too heavy.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise a little and stay soft.
• Ginger, cinnamon, cloves: These spices give the cookies their special flavor. You can smell them even before you taste them!
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Butter: Makes the cookies soft and yummy.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and chewiness.
• Egg: Helps everything stick together.
• Molasses: Gives the cookies their deep brown color and rich flavor.
• Vanilla: Adds extra sweetness and aroma.
• Granulated sugar: Makes the outside a little crunchy and sparkly.

How to make Ginger Cookies?

step 1: prepare the oven and baking sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick and makes cleaning up easier.

step 2: mix dry ingredients

In a big bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Stir them well so that the spices are spread evenly in the flour.

step 3: cream butter and sugar

In another large bowl, use a spoon or a hand mixer to beat the butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is soft, fluffy, and looks like tiny clouds.

step 4: add egg, molasses, and vanilla

Crack the egg into the butter-sugar mixture, then add the molasses and vanilla. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and shiny.

step 5: combine dry and wet ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until all the flour is mixed in and you have a soft cookie dough.

step 6: shape the cookies

Take a small spoonful of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat it lightly. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them because they will spread a little while baking.

step 7: bake

Put the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies look set but still soft in the middle. Don’t worry if they seem a little soft—they will firm up as they cool.

step 8: cool the cookies

Take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

step 9: enjoy

Now the fun part—taste your ginger cookies! Enjoy them with a glass of milk, a warm drink, or just by themselves.

kitchen equipment needed

• 2 large bowls
• Spoon or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack
• Spatula

storage options!

Ginger cookies are best when eaten fresh, but they can last for a while if stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them.

Just put the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will keep for up to 3 months. When you want to eat them, take them out and let them thaw at room temperature, or warm them slightly in the oven.

variations!

You can make ginger cookies in different ways. Try adding chocolate chips to make them extra sweet. Some people like to use white or dark chocolate drizzle on top. You can also make them spicier by adding a little more ginger or cinnamon.

Another fun variation is to use cookie cutters to make shapes before baking, which is perfect for holidays. For a softer cookie, take them out of the oven a little earlier; for a crunchier cookie, bake them a few minutes longer.

what to enjoy with ginger cookies?

I love pairing Ginger Cookies with Southern Squash Casserole because the creamy veggies make the sweetness of the cookies pop, and it’s kind of unexpected but totally delicious. Sometimes, I even sneak a cookie while the casserole is still hot, and it feels like a little treat just for me.

Have you ever tried Crockpot Steak and Potatoes with Ginger Cookies? The savory meat and soft potatoes mix surprisingly well with the spicy flavors of the cookies, and it makes dinner feel like a mini celebration.

Sometimes, I even pair Ginger Cookies with a small plate of roasted carrots because the caramelized veggies make the cookies taste even sweeter, and I love dipping them in a tiny bit of cream cheese frosting.

tips for making the best ginger cookies

• Make sure the butter is soft, not melted, for the best texture.
• Roll the cookies evenly so they bake at the same speed.
• Don’t overmix the dough; mix until just combined.
• Keep an eye on the baking time; a minute too long can make them crunchy instead of chewy.
• Use fresh spices for the best flavor—they make a big difference!
• Let the cookies cool a bit on the baking sheet before moving them, so they don’t break.

FAQ

what is this recipe made of?

Ginger cookies are made of flour, sugar, butter, molasses, egg, baking soda, and warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

what does it taste like?

They taste sweet, slightly spicy, and rich with a deep, warm flavor. Chewy inside with a little crunch outside.

can kids help make these cookies?

Yes! Kids can help mix, roll dough, and sprinkle sugar.

can i use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but butter gives the best flavor and texture.

can i make them crunchy instead of soft?

Yes! Bake a few extra minutes for a crunchier cookie.

can i freeze the dough?

Yes, roll them into balls and freeze. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

how long do ginger cookies last?

They last 1 week at room temperature or 3 months in the freezer.

can i add chocolate chips?

Yes, chocolate chips make them even more delicious.

are ginger cookies healthy?

They are a treat, so enjoy in moderation. Spices like ginger are healthy, though.

can i make them vegan?

Yes, use plant-based butter and a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

do i need parchment paper?

It helps the cookies not stick and makes cleanup easier, but you can lightly grease the baking sheet.

can i use a hand mixer or just a spoon?

You can use either. A hand mixer is faster, but a spoon works fine too.