Description

Deeply spiced, molasses-rich cookies with a crackly white sugar crust and a soft, chewy center. These forgiving holiday treats are make-ahead friendly and perfect for cookie swaps.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
1 cup (220g) dark brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/2 cup (170g) light molasses
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups (345g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
Add the egg, egg yolk, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours (or up to 5 days).
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll the dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls. Roll each ball in the reserved 1/2 cup granulated sugar to coat completely.
Place sugar-coated dough balls on baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between them.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading and achieving the crinkle effect. Do not overbake; cookies will firm up as they cool. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain chewiness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 120
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 1
Protein: 2

Keywords: molasses cookies, crinkle cookies, holiday baking, ginger snaps, chewy cookies, winter dessert, easy cookies