These old-timey molasses cookies are my absolute favorite cookie out of all the cookie flavors out there! It has such a beautiful combination of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves that even while mixing the ingredients together, this wonderful blend of spices fills your senses and warms your soul.
Mix melted unsalted butter together in a medium bowl with 1 cup sugar and egg until well combined. Then stir in the molasses.
Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves (all-spice), and ginger in a separate bowl. Mix together well then blend into the molasses mixture.
Cover the cookie dough then chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Preheat oven to 375° F.
Spread ½ cup white sugar on a plate or bowl. While oven is heating, use a spoon full of dough and roll it into a small shaped ball and roll each ball of dough in the plate or bowl of sugar.
Place each cookie dough ball 2 inches apart onto an ungreased baking sheet (or line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up).
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. When the tops are cracked, they are done EVEN if they don't look like they're done. This will ensure your molasses cookies are soft and chewy. Then remove from the oven and cool on wire racks.*Optional - Sprinkle sugar on top of the cookies while they cool for a yummy and pretty little touch to each cookie!
Store uneaten cookies in a sealed bag or container to maintain a soft, chewy texture.