There’s something magical about the warm, spiced aroma of molasses crinkle cookies baking in the oven. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of comforting flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Whether it’s a holiday tradition or a year-round favorite, these cookies are sure to win your heart.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy edges with a soft, chewy center.
- Versatile: Great for holidays, gifting, or an everyday treat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be made ahead and frozen for later use.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Granulated sugar for rolling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses and egg, mixing until well combined.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. Combine Wet and Dry
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
4. Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
5. Shape and Roll
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
6. Bake
- Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until cracks form on the surface.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea.
- Serve them as part of a holiday cookie platter alongside sugar cookies or gingerbread men.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert sandwich.
Tips for Customization
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Citrus Twist: Mix in some orange zest for a fresh flavor boost.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: ~95
- Fat: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~14g
- Protein: ~1g
FAQs
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months.
Why Do I Need to Chill the Dough?
Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking and enhances their chewy texture.
Can I Use Blackstrap Molasses?
Blackstrap molasses has a stronger flavor and less sweetness than regular molasses, so it’s best to stick with unsulphured molasses unless you prefer an intense taste.
How Do I Store These Cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze baked cookies for up to three months. Molasses crinkle cookies are more than just delicious—they’re nostalgic bites of comfort that bring people together. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit!
