Name: Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; ¼ cup molasses; ¼ cup granulated sugar

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If you love the warm embrace of spices and the rich sweetness of molasses paired with a delightfully chewy texture, you are going to adore this Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These classic treats boast signature crackled tops that invite you to break into their soft, spiced interiors, making them the perfect holiday favorite that never goes out of style. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or simply craving a cozy cookie, these molasses crinkle cookies bring a beautiful balance of flavor and texture that truly feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nine round cookies are evenly placed on a silver baking tray lined with white parchment paper. Each cookie is light brown with a slightly cracked surface, showing a soft texture. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe plays a key part in building the cookie’s irresistible character. From warming spices to creamy butter, each element adds depth to the flavor and ensures that perfect chewy texture and crackled top that Molasses Crinkle Cookies are known for.

All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates that lovely crinkle effect on top.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the spices.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice that defines the cookie’s flavor.
Ground ginger: Gives a subtle kick of heat and complexity.
Ground cloves: Deepens the spice profile with its aromatic richness.
Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, creamy base for the dough.
Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a caramel-like sweetness for chewiness.
Large egg: Binds ingredients and adds softness.
Molasses: The star of the show – deep, robust sweetness with a hint of smokiness.
Granulated sugar (for rolling): Coats the dough balls, resulting in a shiny, sparkling crust once baked.

How to Make Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, giving you clean, easy-to-handle treats when they come out of the oven.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves until everything is well combined. This blend of spices gives the cookies their warm, inviting aroma and flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential to incorporate air, so your cookies turn out tender and chewy, with a rich buttery undertone.

Step 4: Add Egg and Molasses

Mix in the large egg and molasses to the butter and sugar mixture. The molasses adds that signature deep flavor and beautiful dark color, while the egg helps hold everything together.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until everything is just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, perfect for shaping into cookie balls.

Step 6: Shape and Roll in Sugar

Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls with a cookie scoop or spoon, then roll each ball generously in granulated sugar. This sugar coating is responsible for the delightful crackled tops after baking and adds a sweet crunch.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Place the coated dough balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes until the tops are beautifully crackled and set but still soft to the touch. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step ensures the cookies firm up perfectly while staying chewy inside.

How to Serve Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round ginger cookies arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a cracked textured top with a warm brown color, showing a slightly rough and crumbly surface. The cookies have a uniform size and thickness, with one cookie slightly overlapping another. The lighting gives the cookies a soft and inviting look, highlighting their golden-brown edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies are charming on their own, but for a special touch, sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the freshly baked cookies or dust them lightly with powdered sugar. A smidge of orange zest on top before baking also adds a zesty brightness that complements the molasses beautifully.

Side Dishes

Molasses Crinkle Cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea, hot cocoa, or even a frothy latte. They’re also fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert or dipped in a glass of cold milk to balance the deep spices.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, arrange the cookies on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for a rustic, cozy look. You can also sandwich two cookies with cream cheese frosting or a spiced buttercream for an indulgent twist. Gift these cookies wrapped in parchment and tied with twine for a heartfelt homemade treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Molasses Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture. Stored this way, they stay fresh and delicious for up to five days—perfect for enjoying gradually without losing their charm.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time or save leftovers for later, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature, and they’ll be just as delightful as the day you baked them.

Reheating

To refresh your cookies after storage or freezing, gently warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This warming makes the cookies soft and restores that freshly baked feel, bringing out their full flavor and aroma all over again.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure, or add a small amount yourself. The cookies will still have that wonderful chew and spice.

Why do my molasses crinkle cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This firms up the butter and sugar, helping the cookies hold their shape better while baking.

Can I use light molasses instead of dark molasses?

You can use light molasses, but it will result in a milder flavor and slightly lighter color. Dark molasses offers the robust, rich taste that makes these Molasses Crinkle Cookies so special.

How do I get the perfect crackled top on my cookies?

The crackled top comes from rolling the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking and baking just until the tops set but the inside is still soft. Avoid overbaking to maintain that signature crinkle effect.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts complement the spices beautifully and add a lovely crunch. You can also fold in mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a festive twist.

Final Thoughts

This Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a timeless treat that delivers cozy spice, chewy texture, and that mesmerizing crackled appearance every single time. Baking these cookies fills your home with an incredible aroma, and sharing them with loved ones makes any moment feel special. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and experience the joy of biting into a perfectly spiced, buttery molasses crinkle cookie. Happy baking and happy savoring!