There was a chilly evening not long ago when I finally nailed my Molasses Crinkle Cookies recipe after a handful of tries. At first, the chewiness was a little off, and sometimes the crinkles didn’t show up just right. But with a bit of patience, I found the perfect balance of spices, molasses, and that delightful crackly finish. Now, my kitchen fills up with rich, warm aromas whenever I make these cookies — it’s like a little hug in cookie form.
What You’ll Need for This Molasses Crinkle Cookies:
Let’s keep things simple and approachable. Here’s what you’ll need for your Molasses Crinkle Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is your cookie base. No need for fancy flours here.
- 2 teaspoons baking soda – Helps with that perfect rise and crinkle.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger – For that classic gingersnap touch.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – Brings warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – Adds depth but feel free to adjust.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – You can swap for margarine if needed.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Plus some extra for rolling, which we’ll get to.
- 1 large egg – Binds everything nicely.
- 1/4 cup molasses – Dark or light works, dark gives a richer flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Optional but recommended for extra warmth.
If you don’t have ground cloves, you can try a pinch of nutmeg instead—both work great in these spiced crinkle cookies. You’ll find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store without any trouble.
This Molasses Crinkle Cookies stays budget-friendly because the pantry staples are ones you probably already have. Plus, molasses is a small jar that lasts a while, so it’s a great value for adding a lot of flavor.
Quick kitchen tip: Let your butter soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting, or soften it gently in the microwave in 10-second bursts. It makes mixing easier and smoother.
How to Make This Molasses Crinkle Cookies:
I like to think of making Molasses Crinkle Cookies as a little kitchen ritual with treats at the end. Here’s how we’ll do it step by step.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Take a moment to breathe in these lovely spices — your kitchen is about to smell amazing.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The sugar crystals help give a nice texture that balances the chewy molasses treats.
- Beat in the egg, then add molasses and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated. Your dough will be dark and fragrant — promise, it tastes even better than it looks right now!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix here — gentle folding ensures tender cookies.
- Pour some granulated sugar into a small bowl. Using a tablespoon, scoop dough and roll it into balls, then gently roll each ball in sugar until fully coated. This step is key to creating that classic crinkle look.
- Place the balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. They’ll spread a bit but not too much.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until you see the edges set and plenty of cracks showing. The centers will look soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. While these cool, you can wipe down your prep area or pour yourself a cup of tea.
A quick note: if your Molasses Crinkle Cookies come out flatter than you hoped, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling next time. That little trick really helps keep them puffy and crinkly.
While you wait, savor the spicy, homey scent filling your kitchen—it’s honestly one of my favorite parts of making this recipe.
Serving Your Molasses Crinkle Cookies:
I love how versatile these Molasses Crinkle Cookies are for serving. They’re fantastic right out of the oven, warm and tender. I often serve them with a simple glass of milk or a cup of spiced tea. There’s something about that combo that feels like an instant mood lifter on a rainy day.
These cookies also make lovely gifts for friends and family, especially during the holidays. Their deep flavors fit perfectly with other holiday cookie recipes, and their look promises something special with every bite.
For an easy presentation, arrange a few Molasses Crinkle Cookies on a wooden board with some nuts or dried fruit nearby. It’s an inviting way to share these chewy molasses treats when guests drop in.
If you have leftovers (and you probably will), try using them in a dessert parfait. Layer cookie crumbles with vanilla yogurt or whipped cream and a drizzle of honey for a quick, casual dessert.
Seasonal variations to consider: Add a dash of orange zest to the dough for a bright take or a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking to add crunch.
This recipe is actually a bit like the spiced crinkle cookies that circle through various family holiday gatherings I’ve been part of—simple, satisfying, and appreciated by everyone.
Common Questions About This Molasses Crinkle Cookies:
Can I make parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored tightly covered in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors meld and can lead to an even better chew.
What if I don’t have molasses?
For a quick substitute, use 1/4 cup dark corn syrup plus a teaspoon of dark brown sugar. It won’t have quite the same depth but still yields tasty soft molasses cookies. Also, check this soft molasses cookies recipe for another take on rich molasses treats.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder. I haven’t tried it myself yet but have read good experiences from friends.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
About 36 Molasses Crinkle Cookies, depending on how big you roll them. For a smaller batch, you can halve all ingredients.
Why aren’t my cookies crinkling as much as I’d like?
Your oven temperature might be off or the dough could be too warm when baking. Chilling it helps maintain the crinkle texture.
Is it okay to freeze the dough?
Definitely! Freeze shaped dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
What spices make a gingerbread cookie?
Great question! The warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are classic, but sometimes a pinch of nutmeg or allspice joins in for extra flavor. You can read more about spice blends like this in this gingerbread spice discussion.
Final Thoughts on This Molasses Crinkle Cookies:
This Molasses Crinkle Cookies recipe has found a permanent home in my collection because it’s just so satisfying. Its soft yet chewy texture and warm spices always bring smiles, whether it’s an ordinary afternoon or a special holiday gathering.
My Top Tips for This Molasses Crinkle Cookies:
- Don’t skip chilling the dough if you want perfect crinkles.
- Use dark molasses for deeper flavor every time.
- Roll your dough balls generously in sugar to get that beautiful crackle.
For a little twist, I love adding orange zest or a splash of brewed coffee to the dough. Another go-to variation is mixing in a handful of finely chopped crystallized ginger for extra spice. The classic ginger lover in me always reaches for the straightforward spiced crinkle cookies version, though—it’s the one family and friends request the most.
I hope you’ll make this Molasses Crinkle Cookies your own, tweaking spices or adding flavors to suit your taste. I genuinely aim for you to enjoy the process as much as the result. Baking, after all, is meant to bring joy and connection.
And if you like this cookie, you might enjoy trying out some of my other recipes, like these seriously soft molasses cookies or even the Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies for another sweet treat.
Happy baking, friends. Here’s to warm kitchens and cozy moments with Molasses Crinkle Cookies. You’ve got this!
Molasses Crinkle Cookies
Delight in these soft and chewy Molasses Crinkle Cookies, bursting with warm spices and a rich molasses flavor, perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and molasses to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in the remaining 1/4 cup sugar.
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set and the cookies are cracked on top.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra festive flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the dough before baking.