Name: Nova Scotia Ginger Molasses Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons baking soda; ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup white sugar (plus more for rolling); 1 large egg; ¼ cup fancy molasses

If you’re looking for a cookie that delivers rich flavor, soft texture, and cozy East Coast nostalgia, these Nova Scotia Ginger Molasses Cookies are it. Warmly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, and sweetened with classic fancy molasses, these cookies are a traditional favorite across Atlantic Canada.

Perfect for holiday trays, teatime treats, or rainy-day baking, this chewy ginger cookie recipe is simple to make and impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Soft & Chewy Texture: Thanks to the molasses and the right balance of butter and sugar.

Warm Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, and cloves offer bold but balanced flavor.
Simple Pantry Ingredients: No hard-to-find items, just classic staples.
Perfect for Sharing: Great for cookie swaps, gifts, or pairing with tea.

Ingredients

2¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda

¾ cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar (plus extra for rolling)
1 egg

¼ cup fancy molasses

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking soda.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and molasses, and beat until smooth.

4. Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

5. Roll and Sugar Coat

Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in extra granulated sugar for that classic crackly finish.

6. Flatten and Bake

Place balls on the prepared tray, spacing them apart. Gently flatten each one slightly.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers are still soft.

7. Cool

Let cookies rest on the tray for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Soft, chewy Nova Scotia ginger molasses cookies made with warm spices and fancy molasses.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 24 cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Tips for Soft, Chewy Results

Don’t Overbake: Remove from the oven when cookies still look slightly underdone in the center.
Keep Them Moist: Store with a slice of fresh bread in your container to maintain softness.
Make Ahead: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.

Variations to Try

Add finely chopped crystallized ginger for a spicy kick.
Drizzle with a vanilla glaze for a modern twist.
Use blackstrap molasses for a more robust flavor (cookies will be darker and slightly less sweet).

A Taste of Nova Scotia Tradition

These chewy ginger molasses cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a bite of Nova Scotian hospitality and heritage. From cozy kitchen tables to festive holiday gatherings, they’ve earned a permanent place in Maritime baking traditions.