Chewy Ginger Cookies

3.97 from 286 votes

Chewy ginger cookies capture the essence of fall and the holiday season. A family tradition that's easy to make and full of festive flavor.

Prep Time15

Cook Time12

Total Time27

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: cookies

Calories: 134kcal

Preheat the oven to 350F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. I like to do this in a stand mixer, but electric beaters or a wooden spoon will work.
Add the egg and molasses and blend well.
Sift or whisk the dry ingredients together and add to the wet. Mix until completely blended.
Form or scoop balls the size of a small walnut. I like to use a 1 1/4 inch cookie scoop for uniform cookies. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
Place on an un-greased or parchment paper lined baking sheet 2" apart. Don't crowd your pans, these cookies will spread.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, and let cool slightly on the pan before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
Chewy ginger cookies will keep for up to a week at room temperature, and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

There's no need to chill this dough before baking, but you can certainly make it ahead if you like.
To freeze the dough I suggest scooping it out onto a baking sheet and freezing until the dough balls are solid. Then put the dough into a zip lock freezer bag. Thaw the dough balls before rolling and baking.
You can also freeze the baked cookies. Separate layers with waxed paper.
This recipe makes flat cookies, if you prefer them puffier, use 2 and 1/4 cups flour.