These Molasses Ginger Cookies are perfectly soft and chewy and packed with fall flavor. If you love Starbucks' molasses cookies, you'll love these, too! And if you're bringing them to a party, be sure to make the Sweet Pumpkin Dip for the perfect cookie accompaniment.
(This recipe for Molasses Ginger Cookies was originally published in September 2010, but has been updated with new photos and content in 2019).
It's September, so it's officially time for fall recipes. I KNOW fall doesn't officially start for a couple more weeks and I hate when people are all, "summer is over!!" because it's not. But it has been 56 degrees in Boston the last couple nights when I take my dog out before bed.
And that means, whether you like it or not, it's time for fall eats. And you should like it.
These molasses ginger cookies just happen to be the most perfect "welcome autumn" celebration cookies. Also, the most perfect "welcome to my sugar dreams" cookies.
The sweet pumpkin dip? That's just for bonus points. I need all of them I can get. Honestly, the molasses cookies are 100% perfection on their own, but if you're bringing them to a fall party, I also recommend whipping up a batch of the sweet pumpkin dip. Just for fun. And bonus points.
Sometimes you need a little sweet fix, especially when the temperatures are starting to dip and you're sipping on a mug of strong black tea or coffee. You'll probably even stop fighting people calling summer fall when you taste a bite of one of these cookies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Have you ever had the ginger molasses cookies from Starbucks? They're one of my favorite cookies in all the world and these ones are super, super similar. Actually, I'm going to go ahead and say they're better.
In fact, the first time I made these (back in 2010), they took over as my favorite cookies in the all the world and I've made them many, many times since.
These molasses ginger cookies are soft and chewy and perfectly spiced. They're also super easy to make!
The pumpkin dip is a fun accompaniment, but in no way necessary. I often make these cookies all on their own.
Cookie Ingredients
Here's everything you need to make this recipe:
- All-purpose flour
- Ground ginger
- Ground cinnamon
- Baking soda
- Ground cloves
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Molasses
- Water
How to Make Molasses Ginger Cookies
Making these cookies is incredibly simple and will take you no time at all. Start by pre-heating the oven to 350 degrees and whisking together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl.
Then, in the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat together the butter and a cup sugar until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Mix in the egg. Then mix in the molasses and water.
Stir the dry ingredients into the buttery molasses batter. Just a note of warning, if you try some of this batter raw, you might just go ahead and eat the entire bowl of it. Don't say I didn't warn you!!
Using your hands, form the batter into balls using about 2 Tbsp batter at a time. Roll the dough balls around in some more sugar because why not?
Plus, it makes the cookies prettier and adds some crunch!
Place cookies on a baking sheet about 2 inches apart since they will spread a bit. I recommend gently pressing down on balls with your palm to flaen just a little bit.
And bake them at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes, until they're just turning golden at edges.
Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before moving to wire racks to cool completely.
Pumpkin Dip Ingredients
While the molasses ginger cookies are cooling, whip up the dip if you want it (please note I'm also not at all opposed to trying the cookies warm. So good!)
If you're planning to make it, you only need a few ingredients to do so! Here they are:
- Light cream cheese
- Pumpkin puree
- Confectioners' sugar
- Cinnamon
- Ground ginger
How to Make Sweet Pumpkin Dip
This is another super easy recipe. All you need to do is mix together the cream cheese and pumpkin. And then add in the confectioners' sugar and spices.
I do recommend using a hand mixer (or stand mixer) here as you'll want everything to be blended together as much as possible and for the dip to be nice and creamy and fluffy. Once the ingredients are blended together, pop in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Now get your cookies... And get your dip... And put it all together.
Dip it!
Dip it good!
I mean, come on. Once you start, there's a very strong chance you won't be able to stop. The pumpkin dip is creamy and sweet with a little bit of tang from the cream cheese. It really does balance out the sweet gingery cookies.
More Uses for Pumpkin Dip
I made a HUGE batch of the dip, which means I need to find some other foods to start dipping in it. Maybe something a bit healthier than cookies?
Here are a few of my favorite ideas for putting this pumpkin dip to good use:
- Bagel or english muffin spread
- Fruit dip (especially apples and pears)
- Veggie dip (add a little sweetness to your veggies!)
- Sandwich spread
- Oatmeal or yogurt topping
- Pancake or waffle topping
However, I also recommend simply eating the dip with a spoon.
But like I said, the molasses cookies are absolutely delightful on their own and don't require the dip. I've made them SO many times over the years and they are one of my fall go-tos.
They're very similar to Starbucks molasses cookies, but not an exact match. I think they're a tiny bit less chewy, but in a good way. There's a bit more crumble to these. And a little bit more ginger flavor.
More Fall Cookie Recipes
While I truly think these are my favorite cookies of fall, I do have several more fall cookie recipes that I absolutely love. Here are some of the best:
- Apple Cider Cookies with Caramel
- Pumpkin Spice Linzer Cookies
- Pumpkin Toffee Gingersnaps
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies
- Mexican Chocolate Cookies
- Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
- Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Sandwich Cookies (from Milk and Cardamom)
- Colorful Leaf Cookies (from Food Folks and Fun)
Are molasses and ginger truly the most match made in heaven flavor combination? Why are more people not "shipping" this pair?? You know how much I love pumpkin, but I thing molasses and ginger are my new favorite flavors of fall.
Plus, they make my kitchen smell a whole lot better than pumpkin does.
Fall, I'm welcoming you with open arms. And sweatpants with elastic waistbands. And a million more of these molasses ginger cookies.
What's your favorite fall indulgence?
Molasses Ginger Cookies with Sweet Pumpkin Dip
Ingredients
Molasses Ginger Cookies
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup, plus 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 Tbsp water
Sweet Pumpkin Dip
- 8 oz. light cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup confectioners' sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, cream together butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add egg and mix until combined. Beat in molasses and water.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just blended, taking care not to over-mix.
- Place remaining 3 Tbsp sugar in a bowl. Using your hands, form balls with about 2 Tbsp of dough at a time. Roll balls in sugar and place on baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Use your hand to gently flatten the dough balls a bit.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until cookies are just turning golden around edges but are still soft.
Sweet Pumpkin Dip
- Place cream cheese and pumpkin puree in a medium bowl and beat with a hand mixer (can also do in a stand mixer) until light and fluffy 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in confectioners' sugar, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Chill dip in fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
View Web Story for recipe.
Chris says
I feel like I just ate this. I also feel like it was amazing. In fact I may just go and check the fridge for some left overs. So good!
Lizzy says
I want that cookie! And that dip looks amazing! I think my favorite fall indulgence is pumpkin pie... but that pumpkin dip may be my new favorite fall treat. Can't wait to try it!
Sarah @ Aubergine says
Oh. my. goodness. Looks fantastic. I love pumpkin (and ginger, and molasses.) I love that you made a dip to accompany the cookies.
Megan says
I will definitely be thinking about these cookies and that pumpkin dip on Wednesday. Definitely the perfect way to welcome fall!
The Duo Dishes says
You could just serve that pumpkin dip on its own. Honestly. Seriously. Really you should.
Lisa says
Cookies AND dip - that just sounds incredible. Who needs pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving when there's something like this on the table?
Barbara says
I'm glad you didn't wait! These cookies look marvelous...and you've made a pumpkin dip?? OMG. After reading the recipe, do you serve the dip with a spoon? Cause I'd eat that all by itself!
Erica says
mmmm! Gotta love a good giant cookie. And I bet they smelled awesome baking. ah! Favorite fall indulgence- starbucks pumpkin spice & crustless pumpkin pie. Amazing
Simply Life says
Oh those look great! I love the idea of a dip for a cookie!
my little expat kitchen says
What a great recipe. I love these kind of cookies! It's never too early to start introducing fall recipes
Magda
Katie says
i'm excited for lots of pumpkin foods this fall! these cookies sound amazing, can't wait to try them!
Emily says
ooh the dip totally takes this up a notch! what a good call. pumpkin bread, chais and candy corn are my fall indulgences. can't wait for that last one 😉
sweetersalt says
Yum! I LOVE pumpkin cookies - these look delicious! I plan on whipping up my pumpkin chocolate chip cookies soon.
Annnnnnd now I want some pumpkin dip 🙂
Laura
Fun and Fearless in Beantown says
Pumpkin cheesecake is definitely my fall indulgence. This pumpkin dip looks so good...maybe as a spread for a panini? Yum!
Jenny says
pumpkin dip?! I may have found my next guilty pleasure. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Sharlene says
Pumpkin is DEFINITELY one of my favorite fall flavors. I get so excited when pumpkin starts making its way back into my daily coffee! I think dipping cookies in something other than chocolate is a stroke of genius and the flavor combination you have here sound amazing. Definitely dip apples into that stuff! YUM!
Mary says
Wow! The cookies look great and the dip takes your recipe to a whole nother planet. You can pipe me on board :-). I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary
Nicole says
I can see all of the possibilities with that pumpkin dip and I'm sure it is fantastic with a crisp tart apple, yum! I love anything pumpkin, crisps and cinnamon for fall.
Priscilla says
great idea, serving these cookies at a party, all I can imagine right now is the smell from these filling the house... yuuummm.... I love fall!!!
Joanne says
I personally decided it was fall as soon as I saw winter squash at the farmer's market. Which was two weeks ago. case closed, end of story.
This dip sounds fantastic! What I STUFFED it inbetween the cookies. Like a molasses pumpkin oreo. Moan.
Lauren says
Total swoon. These cookies & pumpkin dip sound amazing, and the photos are great!
My favorite fall indulgence... that's tough. Any baked good with tons of cinnamon and other warm spices; pumpkin treats; and apple crisp. Oh, how could I almost forget apple cider doughnuts?! Ok, pretty much any fall-themed sweet is my favorite indulgence :).
Aggie says
Wow! can I just say drool?? I want to dip EVERYTHING in that pumpkin dip!! So glad you found my blog! yours is great!
Emily @ The Happy Home says
you're feeding all my autumn cravings with just one cookie! the pumpkin dip/icing is such a brilliant idea!
Sassy Molassy says
Oh my...I need to make these soon. I love ginger molasses cookies with a serious passion. The pumpkin dip sounds pretty tasty too!
Brad Fallon says
I could take a bath in that dip - looks delicious!
Lisa says
These sound delicious! I'm going to make them for my book club next month! I might have missed a link somewhere, but could you provide a briefer version of your recipes for printing? I love the pictures, but I printed this out and it took 16 pages!
Monique says
OH MY LANTA.
Ginger and Molasses is my favorite favorite cookie...i have never ONCE considered making them. I will wonder no more on boredom baking day... i pretty much have everything except molases. and taht would just give me more and more reason to make molasses cookies, right?
Daniella says
Wowsa! That looks so good!!! I kind of want to make the sweet pumpkin dip to go on top of waffles, is that strange?
Kim K says
mmmmm pumpkin bread here i come! but my favorite fall indulgence is warm apple pie with haagan daz 5 vanilla ice cream!
cailen says
wow. that looks amazing. i'm almost scared to make them b/c i know a food massacre would follow
emily (a nutritionist eats) says
Those sound amazing! I need that pumpkin dip!
Kerstin says
What a fantastic idea - the cookies alone sound addicting and then in that pumpkin dip - mmmm! I'm already looking forward to breaking out my pumpkin too 🙂
Beth @ DiningAndDishing says
Pumpkin dip sounds amazing!
My fave fall indulgence is warm apple cider :).
emily says
those definitely look like my kind of cookies! i'm in love with all of these fall flavors. a pumpkin dip is a really creative combo...you are so right, these are dangerous w/o a party!
sarah k. @ the pajama chef says
that dip looks so good! i made pumpkin oatmeal to celebrate the start of fall this morning! 🙂
hiplip says
Looks delish! Can't wait to try. PS: I don't think your feed page is working...I can't get you in my google reader.
Jaime says
wow what a great pairing! my favorite fall treat is apple crumb pie 🙂
Lora says
Wow. Great recipe!
Vee says
I made these, I was in such a rush, I FORGOT the baking soda!, They didnt spread, but came out chewy and great. Pretty tasty mistake!
Thanks for the recipe!
DianaHayes says
Wow, cookies dip, and lots of pumpkin. I like this recipe.
Kelsey says
try the dip in a sandwich wrap with spinach, thinly sliced green apples, and shredded carrots.
Culinary Cory says
Those cookies look amazing. I think I'm going add this to my holiday cookie list.
sandhya says
I made the ginger cookies and serve to my children. It is the best one for the holiday times.
Deryacenter says
These cookies remind me of the ones my grandma used to make. Love how easy they were too man, and they are perfect for dipping in coffee on a cold day!
Jane Saunders says
That dip is fantastic. A great artner to the cookies too.
Ashley F. says
These cookies did not disappoint! They were perfectly chewy! Loved the dip too!