Get ready to transform your kitchen into a heavenly bakery with these irresistible Molasses Spice Lemon Cookies that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine a cookie that perfectly balances the rich, deep sweetness of molasses with a bright, zesty lemon kick, all wrapped up in a warm, spicy embrace of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. These aren't just cookies - they're a culinary adventure that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the molasses, egg, and lemon zest to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Place the granulated sugar in a shallow dish for rolling the cookies.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into 1-inch balls. 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.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked but still soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cookies will become softer and more flavorful as they sit.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted - this creates the perfect creamy texture.
- Don't overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
- Rolling the cookies in granulated sugar before baking creates a delightful crackly, sparkling exterior.
- Use fresh spices for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Let the cookies cool completely to allow the flavors to develop and the texture to set perfectly.
- For extra moisture, store a slice of bread in the cookie container to keep them soft.
- These cookies actually taste better the next day, so don't be afraid to make them in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
