Introduction
Warm and inviting, these Chewy Chai Spiced Molasses Cookies are the perfect treat to envelop your senses in a delightful hug of flavors. With their rich, molasses base complemented by aromatic spices, each bite promises a burst of warmth that’s sure to brighten your day. Ideal for cozy evenings or festive gatherings, these cookies are easy to whip up and even easier to savor. Let’s gather our ingredients and start creating some cookie magic!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake perfectly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsulfured molasses, packed brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Stir well until all the ingredients are beautifully blended.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth, cohesive mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. This will ensure your spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This step helps make the dough easier to handle and enhances the flavors.
- Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into delightful little balls.
- Roll each ball in granulated sugar, giving them a sweet coating that contrasts deliciously with the spiced center.
- Arrange the sugared balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the tops have cracked beautifully.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies just before baking. This will elevate the flavors and add a delightful contrast to the sweetness!
These cookies store wonderfully in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week or sharing with friends and family.
Cooking Techniques
Make sure to whisk your dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid any clumps in the dough. Chilling the dough is essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture and helps the flavors meld beautifully, creating cookies that are bursting with warmth and spice.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of sugar?
While brown sugar is best for moisture and flavor, you can experiment with coconut sugar or a mix of both for a different taste profile.
How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
Look for edges that are firm but soft centers—if they begin to brown too much, they may become crispy instead of chewy.
Conclusion
These Chewy Chai Spiced Molasses Cookies are sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection. With their perfect balance of sweetness and spice, they bring warmth and joy to every occasion. So grab a cozy blanket, a warm cup of tea, and enjoy these delightful cookies fresh from the oven. Happy baking!