Ingredients & What Each One Does

Below you’ll find exact measures plus a clear explanation of why each ingredient matters — great for learning and for SEO-friendly detail.

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour — Provides structure and body; keeps cookies soft when measured properly.
• 2 teaspoons baking soda — Leavens quickly in the oven, helping the tops crack to create the classic crinkle.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger — Gives warm, slightly sharp spice — a signature note in molasses cookies.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon — Adds sweet, familiar spice to round the profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves — Deep, aromatic depth; use sparingly so it complements rather than overpowers.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt — Balances sweetness and elevates flavors.
• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened — Creates tenderness and richness; softened butter gives proper aeration when creamed.
• 1 cup granulated sugar — Sweetens and helps form the crisp sugar crust when rolled before baking.
• 1 large egg — Binds dough and contributes to a chewy, tender texture.
• 1/4 cup molasses — The star ingredient — adds moisture, deep caramel flavor, and the cookie’s dark color. Use regular (not blackstrap) for best taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions — clear and foolproof

1. Preheat & prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment or use silicone mats.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour, 2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp ginger, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cloves, and 1/2 tsp salt. Whisking ensures even spice distribution.
3. Cream butter & sugar: In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until pale and airy — about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. This aeration helps create soft, tender cookies.
4. Add egg & molasses: Beat in 1 large egg until smooth, then mix in 1/4 cup molasses. The dough will turn richly colored and fragrant.
5. Combine: Add the dry ingredients to the wet in two additions, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing — it keeps cookies tender.
6. Shape & sugar-roll: Scoop roughly 1 tablespoon of dough (use a small cookie scoop for uniformity), roll into a ball, and generously roll in extra granulated sugar until coated. (Tip: for extra sparkle, roll twice.)
7. Space & bake: Place dough balls 2–3 inches apart on prepared sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes — the edges should look set and the tops will crack. The centers will still look slightly soft; that’s perfect for chewiness.
8. Cool: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Timing tip: Oven temps vary — start checking at 9 minutes. Cookies continue to set as they cool.

Why This Recipe Works & Why It’s Loved

These cookies combine a soft, tender interior with a slightly crisp, sugar-dusted exterior and that warm molasses-spice character everyone associates with classic holiday baking. The balance of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon produces a complex, cozy flavor without being cloying. Simple technique, dependable results.

Pro Tips for Bakery-Quality Results

Ingredient swap: For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a high-quality plant-based stick, but expect slight texture differences.

Serving Suggestions — complete the experience

• Hot beverages: Serve with hot chocolate, strong coffee, or spiced chai to complement the cookie’s warm spices.
• Ice cream sandwich: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or brown-butter ice cream between two cookies for a decadent treat.
• Holiday platter: Mix with shortbread and chocolate cookies for an eye-catching cookie tray.
• Gift idea: Pack in cellophane with a ribbon and a handwritten label — these travel well for short trips.

Notes & Variations

• Ginger-forward: Add an extra 1/4–1/2 tsp of ground ginger if you like a brighter ginger kick.
• Orange twist: Add 1 tsp grated orange zest to the dough for a citrusy lift.
• Molasses choice: Use dark molasses for deeper flavor; avoid blackstrap which can be overly bitter.

Conclusion — Simple, Reliable & Delicious

These Molasses Crinkle Cookies are proof that a short ingredient list and straightforward technique can produce something exceptional. Soft centers, crinkled sugar tops, and cozy spices make them a perennial favorite. They’re easy enough for weekday baking yet special enough for holidays — a go-to recipe that outshines more complicated versions because it focuses on balance, technique, and flavor.

Ready to bake? Hit Print or save this page, and you’ll have a dependable cookie recipe you’ll return to year after year.

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