Description
These chewy brown sugar molasses crinkle cookies feature a crisp, sugary exterior that cracks beautifully to reveal a soft, spiced center. They are a reliable, make-ahead holiday favorite that balances rich molasses flavor with warm spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, for coating
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop the dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls and roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated.
- Place dough balls on baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Cookies should look set around the edges but soft in the center.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent flat, greasy cookies and ensure the signature crinkle texture. Use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor and chew. Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft for up to 5 days. Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: molasses cookies, brown sugar cookies, holiday baking, crinkle cookies, chewy cookies, gingerbread cookies, Christmas cookies, make-ahead cookies