Molasses crinkle cookies are the epitome of cozy baking, combining soft, chewy textures with rich flavors that evoke the warmth of the holiday season. Rolled in a blend of spiced sugar and powdered sugar, these cookies not only look delightful with their signature crinkle tops but also pack a punch of festive flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create these delicious treats.
Why You Should Make Molasses Crinkle Cookies
Molasses crinkle cookies are a fantastic addition to any holiday cookie platter, but their appeal goes far beyond just seasonal festivities. Here are a few compelling reasons to whip up a batch:
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of molasses and warming spices like ginger and cinnamon creates a deeply flavorful cookie that is both comforting and satisfying.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward ingredients and a simple process, these cookies are perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to include different spices or even chocolate chunks for a twist on the classic cookie.
- Nostalgic Comfort: These cookies bring back memories of cozy kitchens filled with the scent of baking, making them a heartwarming treat to share with family and friends.
Required Kitchen Tools
Before you get started, gather the following kitchen tools to make the baking process smooth and enjoyable:
- Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls will help you mix your dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for thoroughly combining ingredients.
- Spatula: A flexible spatula is perfect for folding dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Cookie Scoop: A tablespoon-sized cookie scoop ensures your cookies are uniform in size.
- Baking Sheets: You’ll need at least two baking sheets to accommodate all the cookies.
- Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows cookies to cool evenly after baking.
Ingredients for Molasses Crinkle Cookies
Making molasses crinkle cookies requires only a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cookies:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1¾ cups (210 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup (200 g) light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (59 ml) unsulphured molasses (not blackstrap)
For the Spiced Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger or cinnamon
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Molasses Crinkle Cookies
Now that you have all your tools and ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making these delightful cookies!
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Allow it to cool in the fridge for about 15 minutes to prevent it from cooking the egg when combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt until well combined. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses, mixing until everything is creamy and well combined. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and results in a better texture.
Step 2: Prepare for Baking
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Spiced Sugar Coating: In a small shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar with the ground ginger or cinnamon. In another bowl, pour in the powdered sugar.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls.
- Coat the Cookies: First, roll each ball in the spiced sugar mixture, then in the powdered sugar until well coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and cracks have formed on top. The centers may look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for a soft, chewy texture.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
How to Store, Make Ahead, Freeze, and Thaw
Storage
- Baked Cookies: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Make Ahead
You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time:
- Refrigerate Dough: Keep the dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to one week before baking.
Freezing
- Freeze Cookie Dough: After rolling the cookie dough into balls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen dough balls to a ziplock bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Thawing
- Thaw Frozen Dough: To bake, transfer the desired number of frozen cookie dough balls to a lined plate or baking sheet. Allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, roll in the spiced sugar and powdered sugar before baking.
Tips for Perfect Molasses Crinkle Cookies
- Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature: Allow your egg and butter to come to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for flavor development and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
- Slightly Underbake: For a soft and chewy cookie, slightly underbake them. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
FAQs About Molasses Crinkle Cookies
What Makes a Cookie Crinkle?
The crinkle effect occurs during baking when the outer edges of the cookie set while the center remains soft, causing the tops to crack. This is enhanced by rolling the dough in powdered sugar.
What Type of Molasses is Best for Cookies?
Unsulphured molasses is best for baking cookies, providing a rich flavor without the bitterness that blackstrap molasses can impart.
Why Didn’t My Molasses Cookies Crack?
If your cookies didn’t crack, they may have been overmixed or not baked at the right temperature. Ensure your dough is chilled and the oven is properly preheated for optimal results.
Other Molasses Recipes to Try
If you enjoy molasses crinkle cookies, here are a few more recipes that celebrate the rich flavors of molasses:
- Gingerbread Muffins
- Molasses Cake
- Chewy Molasses Cookies
- Glazed Gingerbread Loaf Cake
- Gingerbread Blondie Bars
Summary
Molasses crinkle cookies are a delightful addition to any cookie repertoire, bringing together soft, chewy textures with the warm flavors of spices and molasses. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing during the holiday season or any time of year.
By following this detailed guide, you’ll be well-equipped to bake a batch of these cookies that not only taste amazing but also bring comfort and joy to those who enjoy them.
If you try this Molasses Crinkle Cookies recipe, please rate it and leave a comment below. Sharing your experience helps others discover the joy of baking! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram so we can see your delicious creations. Happy baking!