Molasses Crinkle Cookies: A Timeless Classic

Looking for the perfect cookie to bake on a chilly day? These molasses crinkle cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm spices. A true classic!

I made these the other day, and they were gone in no time. The blend of molasses and spices gives them a cozy, comforting flavor that’s hard to beat.

They’re perfect for the holidays, family gatherings, or when you just want a little treat to brighten your day. And the best part? They’re so easy to make!

Let’s get baking! These molasses crinkle cookies will quickly become your favorite cookie recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort: These cookies have been a favorite for generations, offering the perfect balance of warmth and sweetness.
• Chewy and Soft: The molasses gives these cookies a soft, tender bite, while the sugar coating adds a slight crunch.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients, these cookies are quick to mix up and bake, making them perfect for last-minute baking.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe makes a large batch, so you’ll have plenty to share with friends and family.
• Perfect for the Holidays: The warm, comforting spices make these cookies ideal for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: About 30 minutes

Servings:

This recipe yields about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or keeping all to yourself!

Difficulty:

Easy enough for beginners, but fun for experienced bakers too.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
• Molasses: The star ingredient, offering a deep, sweet, and slightly savory note.
• Spices: A mix of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg gives these cookies their signature flavor.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and sweetness to balance the rich molasses.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them their crinkle effect.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

For the Sugar Coating:

• Granulated sugar: Adds a slight crunch and sweetness to the outside of the cookies.
• Powdered sugar: Creates the crinkle effect when rolled onto the cookies.
• Additional spices (optional): You can add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for extra flavor in the coating.

Variations for Molasses Crinkle Cookies

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in 1/2 cup of dark or milk chocolate chips for a delicious twist on this classic.
• Use Honey Instead of Molasses: If you’re in a pinch, you can use honey, but keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sugar coating for a surprising spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

How to Make Molasses Crinkle Cookies Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure an even bake.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg). Set aside.

Molasses Crinkle Cookies: A Timeless Classic (Part 2)

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and molasses using an electric mixer or hand mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth. The dough should look soft and slightly sticky.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.

6. Form the Cookie Dough Balls

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll it into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll each dough ball in the granulated sugar and then in the powdered sugar until fully coated. The powdered sugar will give the cookies their signature crinkle effect when baked.

7. Bake the Cookies

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Molasses Crinkle Cookies: A Timeless Classic (Part 3)

8. Cool the Cookies

Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set and become easier to transfer. After 5 minutes, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Molasses Crinkle Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, hot cocoa, or coffee. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, as an afternoon snack, or even packed in a lunchbox for a sweet treat.

Storing Molasses Crinkle Cookies

• In the Pantry: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. If you bake them for too long, they can become too crunchy. A soft center is key to getting that chewy texture.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This helps create a smooth, fluffy dough.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you find the dough too sticky to work with, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make rolling easier.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120 kcal
Carbohydrates	18g
Protein	1g
Fat	5g
Saturated Fat	3g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	10g
Sodium	50mg

Molasses Crinkle Cookies FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just roll them in sugar, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

How do I make the cookies spicier?
If you like a little more spice, feel free to add extra ginger or cinnamon, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough.

Conclusion

These Molasses Crinkle Cookies are a classic for a reason. With their perfect combination of chewy, spicy, and sweet, they make for a cozy and comforting treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy them with a hot drink or share them with friends and family!