Easy Ginger Sugar Cookies

Ginger Sugar Cookies are one of those cozy holiday cookies I turn to every single year. They're soft, full of rich molasses, and rolled in crunchy sugar with just the right amount of warm cinnamon and ginger. Add these ginger sugar cookies to your Christmas cookie tray, they always disappear fast.

If you like these Ginger Sugar Cookies, you'll love my Chocolate Crinkle Cookies and my Soft Amaretti Cookies with their chewy almond centers.

A stack of four Ginger Sugar Cookies sits on parchment paper, with three more cookies nearby. A small white bowl and a cloth rest in the background, while golden sugar crystals are scattered beside the cookies.

Ginger sugar cookies or ginger molasses cookies have become one of our go-to holiday cookies. With rich molasses, brown sugar, and warm ginger and cinnamon spice, these cookies bring that classic Christmas flavor right to the cookie tray. Whether you're baking for the season or just craving something festive, these molasses ginger cookies hit the mark.

There are smells that instantly transport me back to childhood-sugar cookies in the oven, ginger cookies filling the kitchen with their spicy scent. Last week we kicked off our Christmas cookie baking early, and these were the first batch we made. Sparkling turbinado sugar on top, soft centers inside-everything about them says "holiday."

overhead image of ginger sugar cookies

The flavor was maybe too subtle. I will add more ground ginger and probably some fresh grated ginger in the next batch. I used blackstrap molasses and the flavor was distinctive and delicious.

What ingredients are in Ginger Sugar Cookies?

slightly adapted from Adapted from Gourmet magazine March 1965

Wet Ingredients

  • ¾ cup Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup molasses (I use blackstrap)

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For Rolling

  • Turbinado or coarse suga

How do you make ginger sugar cookies?

Cream butter and gradually add brown sugar. Continue to beat until fluffy.

overhead image of creaming butter and sugar

Add egg and molasses to butter mixture.

overhead image of creaming cookie batter

Beat until evenly blended.

image of making ginger cookies


Combine flour with baking soda, spices, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating until all the dry ingredients are incorporated. Refrigerate dough for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Roll the dough into small balls and roll around in the sugar.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place balls of dough at least 3 inches apart on prepared baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes, until firm.

Let sit on baking sheet for 1 minutes, then remove to racks to cool.

ENJOY!:)

Expert Tips for Perfect Molasses Ginger Cookies

  • Chill the dough so the cookies don't overspread in the oven.
  • Use turbinado sugar for extra crunch and shine.
  • Don't overbake-they firm up as they cool.
  • Try fresh ginger if you want a stronger ginger kick (½ teaspoon grated).
  • Light vs. blackstrap molasses:
    • Blackstrap creates a darker, deeper, slightly less sweet cookie.
    • Regular molasses gives a milder, classic flavor.

Variations

  • Add a vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
  • Dip half the cookie in white chocolate and sprinkle with sugar.
  • Make chewy ginger sandwich cookies by filling them with vanilla buttercream.

How to Store Ginger Sugar Cookies

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
  • Freeze cookie dough balls and bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Five round, golden-brown Ginger Sugar Cookies with a sugar-coated, cracked surface are arranged on white parchment paper, with a few sparkling sugar granules scattered nearby.

FAQ'S

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! Chill the dough overnight or freeze the dough balls for a quick bake later.

Do I have to use turbinado sugar?

No-granulated sugar works, but turbinado gives the cookies that crunchy, sparkly finish.

Can I make these ginger cookies dairy-free?

Yes. Earth Balance or another vegan buttery stick works beautifully.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Make sure the dough was chilled and that your baking sheet wasn't warm from a previous batch.

More Holiday Cookies You'll Love

  • Italian Christmas Cookies
  • Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
  • Soft Amaretti Cookies
  • Pumpkin Spice Cookies

What's your favorite holiday cookie?

20 Minute Ginger Molasses Cookies

These Ginger Sugar Cookies are the cozy holiday cookies you'll bake on repeat. They're soft on the inside, perfectly spiced, and rolled in crunchy turbinado sugar that gives every bite the best sparkle. Made with molasses, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger, this classic cookie belongs on every Christmas cookie tray.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cookies, ginger
Servings: 30 cookies
Calories: 70kcal
Author: Lora

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup molasses I used blackstrap
  • 2 ¼ cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Sugar for rolling I used turbinado

Instructions

  • Cream butter and gradually add brown sugar. Continue to beat until fluffy.
  • Add egg and molasses to butter mixture. Beat until evenly blended.
  • Combine flour with baking soda, spices, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating until all the dry ingredients are incorporated. Refrigerate dough for 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Roll the dough into small balls and roll around in the sugar. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place balls of dough at least 3 inches apart on prepared baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes, until firm.
  • Let sit on baking sheet for 1 minutes, then remove to racks to cool.

Nutrition Disclaimer

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

Notes

Expert Tips for Perfect Molasses Ginger Cookies

  • Chill the dough so the cookies don't overspread in the oven.
  • Use turbinado sugar for extra crunch and shine.
  • Don't overbake-they firm up as they cool.
  • Try fresh ginger if you want a stronger ginger kick (½ teaspoon grated).
  • Light vs. blackstrap molasses:
    • Blackstrap creates a darker, deeper, slightly less sweet cookie.
    • Regular molasses gives a milder, classic flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.05g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 98mg | Potassium: 56mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @savoringitaly or tag #savoringitaly!

49 Comments

  1. These ginger cookies look so beautiful!!!
    And that sugar sprinkle make them absolutely festive...
    Deliciously Beautiful!!!

  2. The sugar crystals on top of the cookies remind me of Christmas 🙂 I love ginger and need to make these asap! Thank you for sharing!

  3. I love how pretty your cookies look with the sugar sprinkles on top! I think our #cookielove cookies are very similar with the molasses and spices...Great minds think alike 🙂

  4. Damn! I'm your 399th follower! Would have loved to be the 400th! 🙂

    You probably get this a lot, but I thought I should let you know how much I loved browsing your blog posts! 🙂 Not only are the pics & recipes great, but your whole blog has a pleasant layout! Truly enjoyed my time here! 🙂

    Would love to have your recipes linked to my 1st food blog event. If possible, please go through the rules of my event Jingle All The Way and link your posts there..

    Ongoing Events:
    Jingle All The Way &
    Microwave Easy Cooking
    Edible Entertainment

  5. These are so cute! They sound so tasty, and could easily be made vegan. I'll definitely have to try these ones out!

  6. Mmmm these are so very Christmassy! I love spic cookies and these look tasty and perfect, especially with the sugar. Now you have put me in the mood to make cookies!

  7. That Ginger cookie is soooo delish! So hard to tear myself away from the photo. Glad you joined the CookieLove with us!

  8. These sound like a whole lot of cookie love to me. I'm ready to start baking for the holiday and probably won't stop till Jan. Hope you had a great weekend. Just getting over a cold, then hopefully I will have some cookie posts soon.
    -Gina-

  9. I love these cookies. They look so yummy and sparkly. I have some of this sugar and love to use it. Nothing I like better than some sparkle on my food. Your plates are gorgeous, love the pattern.

  10. oh my goodness... your cookies are sparkling gold. do you know how much i love the color gold? hehehe. these cookies look fabulous and schmancy! btw, i like your new blog header!

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