If you are looking for a wonderfully cozy treat that bursts with warm spices and chewy texture, this Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies perfectly balance rich molasses sweetness with a tender yet slightly crisp edge that cracks beautifully as they bake, creating that classic crinkle effect. Whether it’s a chilly afternoon or a holiday gathering, this beloved recipe will instantly fill your kitchen with comforting aromas and invite smiles from everyone lucky enough to take a bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to getting the perfect texture and deep flavor in your molasses crinkle cookies. Each component plays an important role, from the aromatic spices to the richness of molasses and buttery softness of the dough.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure to the cookies while keeping them tender.
- Unsulfured molasses (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that adds rich, complex sweetness and moisture.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and create those signature cracks.
- Ground ginger (1 tsp): Adds a warm, slightly spicy kick that complements the molasses perfectly.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings cozy, sweet earthiness to the flavor profile.
- Granulated sugar for rolling (1/4 cup): Creates a delicate sugary crust on the outside.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, light or dark): Adds moisture and a deeper caramel note.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and enriches the dough.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Provides richness and tender crumb texture.
How to Make Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Dry Ingredients
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your dough is formed. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, and cinnamon. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed and the leavening agent is properly blended with the flour for a consistent rise.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This step is crucial because it helps to incorporate air into your dough, making the cookies perfectly soft with just the right chew.
Step 3: Add Egg and Molasses
Beat in the egg and molasses to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. These ingredients add moisture, richness, and that signature depth of flavor you expect in molasses crinkle cookies.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here; you want to keep the dough tender and ensure your cookies stay soft after baking.
Step 5: Form and Coat the Dough Balls
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, roll the dough into balls. Then, give each ball a generous coat of granulated sugar. This coating helps create the iconic crinkle effect and adds a subtle crunchy texture to the cookie’s surface.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the tops start to crack and the edges are just set. Let your cookies cool on a wire rack to finish setting perfectly before enjoying.
How to Serve Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, sprinkle these cookies with a pinch of ground cinnamon or dust them lightly with powdered sugar before serving. You can also drizzle a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of orange juice for a bright contrast that enhances the warm spices.
Side Dishes
Molasses crinkle cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea or rich hot chocolate. The spices in the cookies echo the cinnamon and ginger notes in chai, making every sip and bite a comforting treat. For a more indulgent pairing, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the deep molasses flavor wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Box them up as homemade gifts wrapped in rustic parchment paper tied with twine for a charming presentation. For parties, arrange the cookies on a wooden tray with sprigs of fresh rosemary or cinnamon sticks to create a cozy, inviting display that will entice guests to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store molasses crinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to one week. Adding a slice of bread in the container can help maintain moisture and prevent the cookies from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen molasses crinkle cookies keep well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for best texture.
Reheating
To refresh slightly firm cookies, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back the soft, chewy texture and releases that wonderful molasses aroma again.
FAQs
Can I substitute dark molasses with light molasses in this recipe?
Absolutely! Light molasses will give a milder flavor, while dark molasses adds a richer, more robust taste. Both work well, so choose according to your preference.
What makes these cookies crinkle on top?
The combination of the baking soda leavening and rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking causes the surface to crack and form beautiful crinkles as the cookies expand in the oven.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This particular Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends suitable for baking to make a gluten-free version.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it wrapped tightly for up to 24 hours. Chilling helps the flavors develop and makes the dough easier to handle.
How should I store these cookies for best texture?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread inside to keep them soft for several days. Avoid refrigeration, which can dry out cookies.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe that makes it a staple in any cookie lover’s collection. With its warm spices, chewy texture, and delightful sugary cracks, it’s a recipe that not only satisfies sweet cravings but also brings a sense of comfort and joy into your home. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and watch these little molasses gems become a beloved favorite on your baking shelf.
Print
Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings (cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Molasses Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm spices like ginger and cinnamon. Rolled in granulated sugar, they bake to a delightful crackled top and are perfect for holiday treats or any time you crave a comforting spiced cookie.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Sugars
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, and cinnamon until well combined for a uniform spice distribution.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with both granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Molasses: Beat the large egg and unsulfured molasses into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated, providing moisture and rich flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and ensuring soft cookies.
- Shape and Coat: Roll tablespoons of dough into balls, then coat each ball in granulated sugar to create their classic crinkle effect and a sweet outer texture.
- Bake and Cool: Place the coated dough balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until the tops crack slightly. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack to set the cookies.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature to cream properly for better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to maintain chewy cookies.
- Use unsulfured molasses for a richer, cleaner flavor.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- You can freeze dough balls prior to baking for convenience; bake directly from frozen with an extra 1-2 minutes.
