Name: Giant and Soft Ginger Spice Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling); 1 large egg; 1/4 cup molasses; 1 tsp vanilla extract

These Giant and Soft Ginger Spice Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy, and beautifully spiced. Their crackled sugary tops make them look as delightful as they taste. Perfect for the holidays, these cookies are so good, I love to bake them all year round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Spices: These cookies are packed with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookies are thick and soft on the inside, with just the right amount of chewiness.

Beautiful Presentation: The crackled sugar coating makes them look festive and irresistible.

Easy to Make: The simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies beginner-friendly.

Perfect for Sharing: Their large size makes them ideal for gifting or sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)

1 large egg

1/4 cup molasses

1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Shape the Cookies
Scoop large tablespoonfuls of dough (about 2-3 tablespoons per cookie) and roll into balls. Coat each ball in the reserved granulated sugar. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart.

Bake
Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crackled. Avoid overbaking for soft centers.

Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 giant cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 29 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal per cookie

Variations

Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a twist.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

Extra Molasses Flavor: Use dark molasses for a deeper flavor.

Mini Cookies: Use smaller dough portions for bite-sized treats; adjust the baking time to 8-10 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating: Warm the cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Related Recipes:

Best Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie

FAQs

Can I use blackstrap molasses in this recipe?

I recommend regular molasses for the best flavor and texture. Blackstrap molasses can be too strong and slightly bitter.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

Why are my cookies not crackled on top?

Ensure the dough balls are rolled in sugar and that your oven is preheated to the right temperature. These steps help create the crackled effect.

Can I make smaller cookies?

Absolutely! Adjust the dough size and reduce the baking time to about 8-10 minutes for smaller cookies.

What can I substitute for molasses?

You can use dark corn syrup, honey, or maple syrup as a substitute, but the flavor profile will change slightly.

Conclusion

These giant and soft ginger spice cookies are a delightful treat, no matter the occasion. With their warm spices and irresistible texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in any kitchen. Try baking a batch today, and enjoy the comforting flavors of these crowd-pleasers!

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