Spice Cookies

These spice cookies are a cherished family tradition, baked every year during the holiday season. The warm flavors of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and molasses make the kitchen smell like pure holiday magic, and the chewy, soft cookies are always a hit with kids and adults alike. We love chilling the dough overnight and rolling each cookie in sugar before baking — it’s a little extra step that makes them perfectly sweet and festive. Baking these cookies has become one of our favorite ways to celebrate the season and create memories with family.

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Spice Cookies

Prep: 15 minutes | Bake: 6–8 minutes | Total: About 30 minutes

Yields 4 dozen cookies (depending on size of balls)

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Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups white sugar

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup molasses

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 4 teaspoons baking soda

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon cloves

• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Cream the butter and sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy — about 2 to 3 minutes.

2. Add the wet ingredients
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the molasses until smooth and well combined.

3. Mix the dry ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until evenly blended.

4. Combine wet and dry mixtures
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.

5. Chill the dough
   Cover the bowl tightly and chill the dough overnight (or at least 8 hours). This resting time deepens the flavor and helps the cookies bake up chewy and thick.

6. Preheat the oven
   When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. Shape and coat
   Scoop or roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each one in white sugar to coat. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

8. Bake
   Bake for 6–8 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown around the edges and just set in the center.

9. Cool and serve
   Let the cookies cool completely before serving. Enjoy these warm, spiced cookies with a cup of tea or coffee — they’re cozy, chewy, and full of classic holiday flavor.

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