Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that's not just a treat, but a sensory journey—where warm, aromatic chai spices dance with rich molasses in every single bite. These Chewy Chai Molasses Cookies are more than just a dessert; they're a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to a cozy, spice-filled wonderland. Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or that moment when you need a little comfort, these cookies promise to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the molasses and egg to the butter mixture, beating until well combined and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and salt to ensure even distribution of spices.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Place the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a shallow bowl for rolling the cookies.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat completely.
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft and crackly on top.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their chewy texture.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
- Don't overmix the dough—this can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
- Use fresh, high-quality spices to maximize the chai flavor profile.
- For extra sparkle and crunch, roll cookies in coarse sugar instead of granulated.
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to maintain their ideal chewy consistency.
- For a flavor twist, try adding a pinch of black pepper or a dash of ground nutmeg to enhance the chai spices.
- Store cookies with a slice of bread to help maintain moisture and softness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 141kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
