Molasses Crackle Cookies

There’s something so irresistible about the combination of warm spices, a little sweetness, and that satisfying crackle on top. If you’re a fan of classic holiday flavors or just love a good, cozy cookie, Molasses Crackle Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. These cookies are soft, chewy on the inside, and perfectly crisp on the edges, with a crackly sugar coating that gives every bite a little extra sweetness and crunch. Trust me, they’ll disappear from the cookie jar in no time!

Why You’ll Love Molasses Crackle Cookies

• Warm, Cozy Flavors: With molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, these cookies are like a hug in a bite. Perfect for chilly days when you need something comforting and flavorful.
• Chewy and Crunchy: The soft, pillowy texture inside pairs beautifully with the sugary, crackled crust. It’s the best of both worlds.
• Perfect for the Holidays: Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies capture that festive, spiced magic.
• Easy to Make: No complicated steps here—just simple ingredients that come together for a mouthwatering cookie in no time.
• A Crowd Favorite: These cookies are the kind of treat that everyone loves. They’re great for sharing, gifting, or just keeping all to yourself!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these wonderfully spiced cookies:

• Molasses: The key ingredient that gives these cookies their rich, deep flavor.
• Butter: For that melt-in-your-mouth texture and just the right amount of richness.
• Sugar: A mix of granulated sugar for the dough and extra sugar for rolling the dough balls before baking.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds to the cookie’s tenderness.
• Flour: Provides the structure, making these cookies perfectly chewy.
• Baking Soda: Gives the cookies that nice lift and slight puff.
• Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, and Cloves: These warm spices give the cookies their signature flavor.
• Salt: A pinch of salt brings all the flavors into balance.

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking!

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make cleanup easier.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the egg and molasses, mixing until fully combined.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not too sticky.

4. Roll the Dough:

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in a bowl of sugar to coat. This will give the cookies that signature crackly, sugary top once they bake.

5. Bake the Cookies:

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and the edges are golden brown. The tops should be cracked, and they’ll firm up a little as they cool.

6. Cool and Enjoy:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, get ready to enjoy that delightful crackle and spicy sweetness with every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Molasses Crackle Cookies

These cookies are great on their own, but here are a few ways to serve them for extra flair:

• With a Cup of Hot Tea or Coffee: These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm, spiced drink. A chai latte or a simple cup of black tea would make the perfect match.
• Holiday Gift: Package them in a cute tin or jar, and they’ll make a sweet homemade gift for friends and family.
• As Part of a Cookie Platter: These cookies are a great addition to a holiday cookie platter, alongside other festive treats like sugar cookies or gingerbread.

Additional Tips

• Chill the Dough: If you find the dough a little too soft to handle, you can chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll into balls and help the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
• Make it a Sandwich: For an extra treat, sandwich two cookies together with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream in between for a spiced dessert sandwich!
• Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can make a double batch and save some for later.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different sweetener instead of molasses?
A1: Molasses is a key part of the flavor profile for these cookies, so it’s best to stick with it. However, if you don’t have molasses, you could use honey or maple syrup, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A2: Yes! You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check if the blend includes xanthan gum, or add it separately to help with texture.

Q3: Can I freeze these cookies?
A3: Absolutely! After baking, let the cookies cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the dough balls before baking—just roll them in sugar and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a bag or container for storage. When you’re ready to bake, just place them on a baking sheet and bake as usual!

Q4: Can I add other mix-ins?
A4: Definitely! If you want to add extra flavor or texture, try adding chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped pecans to the dough before rolling into balls.

Q5: How do I get the crackle effect?
A5: The crackle effect comes from rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking. The sugar crystallizes as it bakes, creating those signature cracks on top. Make sure to press the dough balls lightly to flatten them a bit so they bake evenly and crack nicely!

Enjoy baking these delightful Molasses Crackle Cookies! They’re the perfect combination of spice, sweetness, and crunch—your new go-to for cozy afternoons and holiday celebrations. Happy baking!

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