Why You’ll Love Tasty Chewy Chai Spiced Molasses Cookies Recipe

From their chai-inspired spice blend to their soft, chewy texture, these cookies are a delight for anyone who loves warm flavors and nostalgic treats. The molasses lends them deep sweetness and chewiness, while ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices give every bite a comforting complexity. They’re terrific for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with your favorite hot beverage.

Ingredients

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

For the cookie dough:
unsalted butter, softened
white sugar
packed brown sugar
large egg, at room temperature
molasses
pure vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
baking soda
ground ginger
ground cinnamon
ground cloves
allspice (optional)
salt

For the spiced sugar coating:
granulated sugar
ground cinnamon
ground ginger

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice (if using), and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and ginger for the coating.
Scoop dough into balls and roll each in the spiced sugar to coat.
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly apart.
Bake for about 9–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops crack slightly. Let cool on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24–30 cookies.
Preparation time: about 15–30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Baking time: 9–12 minutes per batch
Total time: around 1 hour (including chilling and baking)

Variations

Add-ins: Stir in candied ginger bits or chopped nuts for extra texture.
Spice tweak: Boost the chai profile with a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg.
Citrus twist: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to brighten the flavor.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Room temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Dough balls can also be frozen and baked later.
Reheating: Warm cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes before serving for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

What makes these cookies chewy?

The molasses and brown sugar give these cookies their soft, chewy texture that stays tender even after cooling.

Can I use dark molasses instead of light?

Yes, dark molasses can be used, though it will give the cookies a deeper, slightly more robust flavor.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling helps the dough hold its shape and enhances the texture, but you can bake immediately if needed.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This can happen if the dough isn’t chilled or if your oven is too hot. Ensure the dough is cold and measure flour accurately.

Can I omit the spiced sugar coating?

Yes, you can skip the coating, though it adds a lovely crunchy, aromatic surface.

Are these cookies suitable for holidays?

Definitely — the warm spices and chewy texture make them a festive favorite.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used, but the flavor may be slightly less rich.

How should I store leftover dough?

Wrap the dough tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

What drink pairs well with these cookies?

These cookies are excellent with chai tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Conclusion

If you’re after a cookie that’s cozy, warmly spiced, and full of chewy goodness, these chai spiced molasses cookies are a perfect choice. They’re straightforward to make with basic pantry ingredients and offer a delicious blend of spice and sweetness that’s sure to satisfy any cookie craving. Enjoy them freshly baked or pack them up to share with friends and family.