Introduction
There’s something simply enchanting about the aroma of spices wafting through the kitchen, especially when those spices come together in a batch of chewy chai spiced molasses cookies. These cookies are a delightful blend of warm flavors, each bite promising a rich, velvety texture and a burst of sweetness. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cozying up by the fireplace or sharing treats during the holiday season, these cookies will surely warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep those cookies from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving that perfect cookie texture!
- Beat in the molasses and egg until everything is well combined, and you have a wonderfully rich mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. This will ensure that your cookies have a balanced flavor with every bite.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be mindful not to overmix; we want soft, chewy cookies!
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Once chilled, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and then roll each ball in granulated sugar. This will give your cookies a delightful sparkle!
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft and chewy. They will firm up a bit as they cool!
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to maintain their moistness.
Notes or Tips
For an added touch, consider sprinkling a little extra ground cinnamon or ginger on top of the cookies right before baking. These flavors will enhance the spicy profile even more. If you like your cookies with an extra kick, feel free to increase the quantity of spices slightly! Also, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, though I doubt they’ll last that long!
Cooking Techniques
Chilling the dough is a crucial step that not only makes it easier to roll but also contributes to a chewier texture in the finished cookies. If you find that your dough is too sticky, don’t hesitate to pop it in the fridge for a bit longer. Additionally, using a cookie scoop can ensure that each cookie is uniform in size, which results in even baking.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of sugar? Yes! You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative. However, this may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
- What if I want to make these gluten-free? You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best results.
Conclusion
These chai spiced molasses cookies are a delightful addition to any cookie platter and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Their warm, spicy flavor and chewy texture will keep you reaching for just one more… and maybe another! Bake a batch today, and let the comforting scents fill your home. Enjoy the smiles and compliments that are sure to follow!