Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Molasses Spice Cookies with Crinkles Cooking Guide
- Begin by measuring out all your ingredients. Soften the butter at room temperature to make creaming easier. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed.
- Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The molasses will give the dough a rich, dark color and deep flavor.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This step helps control spreading and intensifies the flavors.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out dough balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll each ball in the 1/4 cup granulated sugar to coat evenly. This sugar coating is what creates the beautiful crinkles during baking.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the center. The tops will crack as they bake, revealing the classic crinkle look.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps the cookies set perfectly.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine.
- Chilling the dough is key to controlling cookie spread and enhancing flavor.
- Roll dough balls generously in granulated sugar to achieve signature crinkles.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
- To refresh cookies, warm in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.