Molasses Ginger Crinkle Cookies

Recipe Name: Molasses Ginger Crinkle Cookies
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-32 minutes
Serving Size: 24 cookies

Molasses Ginger Crinkle Cookies are the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and softness with a delightful crunch on the outside. They’re a holiday favorite but are also delicious enough to enjoy all year round. These cookies boast a strong, aromatic ginger flavor complemented by the deep sweetness of molasses and a dusting of sugar, creating a mouthwatering contrast. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or just want a tasty treat for yourself, these cookies will certainly satisfy.

Ingredients:

• For the Cookie Dough:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup molasses (preferably unsulfured)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For Rolling the Cookies:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating the dough balls)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are well-distributed and your cookies will bake evenly.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer or a stand mixer. Beat them on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important for creating the right texture in your cookies.

4. Add Molasses and Egg:

To the butter-sugar mixture, add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined. The molasses gives the cookies their signature flavor, so don’t skimp on this ingredient!

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or using a spatula to combine everything together. You should have a soft, slightly sticky dough at this point. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to roll.

6. Roll the Dough into Balls:

Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball between your palms. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar, coating it generously. This gives the cookies their signature crackled look when baked.

7. Place on Baking Sheets:

Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Do not flatten the dough balls; the cookies will spread on their own as they bake.

8. Bake the Cookies:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they’ve spread and have nice cracks on top. The edges should be firm, but the centers should still be soft. If you like a slightly chewier cookie, remove them from the oven closer to the 10-minute mark. If you prefer a crispier cookie, leave them in for the full 12 minutes.

9. Cool on a Wire Rack:

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up and hold their shape. Enjoy them warm, or store them for later.

Tips for Perfect Molasses Ginger Crinkle Cookies:

• Molasses: The quality of molasses you use will affect the flavor of your cookies. Unsulfured molasses is best for baking, as it provides a smooth, deep flavor. Avoid using blackstrap molasses as it can be too bitter for this recipe.

• Chill the Dough: If you find that the dough is too sticky to handle, it’s okay to chill it for 30 minutes or so in the fridge. This will make it easier to roll into balls and keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

• Measuring Flour: Be sure to measure your flour properly. Too much flour can make the cookies dense. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.

• Spices: You can adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you prefer a stronger ginger flavor, increase the ground ginger by 1/2 teaspoon. You can also add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg for extra warmth.

Storage:

These cookies are great for storing. Once completely cool, you can store the molasses ginger crinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also freeze well; place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 Cookie):

• Calories: 115 kcal
• Fat: 4.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 55mg
• Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 1g
• Vitamin A: 3% of the Daily Value
• Calcium: 0% of the Daily Value
• Iron: 4% of the Daily Value

Intensities of the Recipe:

• Difficulty: Easy
  This recipe is beginner-friendly! It doesn’t require any advanced baking techniques and involves common ingredients that are easy to find. The dough can be made in under 20 minutes, and the baking process is simple.

• Flavor Profile: Bold and Sweet
  The combination of molasses and ginger creates a strong, warm, and spicy flavor profile that’s perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the brown sugar. The crisp outer layer and chewy center make every bite satisfying.

• Time Commitment: Medium
  With a prep time of 20 minutes and a baking time of 10-12 minutes per batch, this recipe is relatively quick but may take about an hour or so to make multiple batches (if you’re making 2-3 sheets of cookies). If you chill the dough, add an extra 30 minutes of downtime, though it’s not strictly necessary.

Conclusion:

Molasses Ginger Crinkle Cookies are a wonderful treat for any occasion. Their tender texture, spicy kick, and lovely cracked tops make them stand out among other holiday cookies. By following this simple yet effective recipe, you can create a batch of cookies that are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these cookies are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, or share them with friends and family for a warm, delicious treat that captures the essence of cozy baking.