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Home » Recipes » Baking Recipes

Chewy Molasses Crinkle Cookies

Published: Dec 7, 2019 · Modified: Feb 21, 2023 by Colleen 26 Comments

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Nothing says holidays like the aroma of freshly baked molasses crinkle cookies filling the house. These chewy molasses cookies are a classic holiday treat that brings back memories of childhood and family traditions. With a perfectly spiced flavor and a sugary, crinkly top, these chewy cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.

Molasses crinkle cookies in a wax paper lined cookie tin.
Delicious crinkly cookies

This is the time of year when the baking gets into full swing, especially Christmas cookies. Some favorites are Cranberry Walnut Shortbread Cookies, Butter Tart Bars and Chocolate Chip Pretzel Cookies to name just a few. And our holiday baking wouldn't be complete without these chewy molasses crinkle cookies.

Why we love these cookies:

Delicious: the combination of spices and molasses gives these chewy molasses cookies a delicious flavor that nobody can resist.

Festive: Each cookie has a sugary, crinkly top, giving them a delicious crisp exterior and a pretty and festive appearance.

Easy: these ginger cookies are super easy to make, so they're a great option for baking with kids or for cookie exchanges during the holidays.

Simple: You don't need an electric mixer to make these chewy ginger molasses cookies, so clean up is easy.

Freshly baked cookies cooling on a rack.
Freshly baked cookies cooling

Ingredients for chewy molasses crinkle cookies:

  • Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter for baking gives us control over the amount of salt in the cookies. However, it's fine to use salted butter. Just omit the added salt in the recipe.
  • Molasses: Use unsulphured molasses. Either light molasses or dark molasses will work for this recipe. Light molasses is milder and less pronounced in flavor than dark molasses. Avoid using blackstrap molasses, which has a strong, bitter flavor that doesn't work well for these ginger cookies.
  • All-purpose flour: This type of flour is best for this recipe because it provides the right texture and structure for cookies. I used an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend, which works perfectly if you are gluten free.
  • Baking powder & Baking Soda: Baking soda and powder are our leavening agents. Make sure to check their expiry dates. Use gluten-free baking powder if needed.
  • Spices: The classic combination of ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves give these cookies their warm and cozy flavor.
  • Light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to the cookies. Dark brown sugar also works.
  • Egg: Use a large egg and have it at room temperature.
  • Granulated sugar: White sugar for rolling the dough balls in before baking. You can use sanding sugar or turbinado sugar, too.
A red, snowman decorated cookie tin filled with cookies.

How to make this perfect molasses cookie recipe

See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for complete instructions.

  1. In a small sauce pan over low heat, melt butter and molasses together. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients and spices.
  3. Add the wet ingredients (cooled molasses / butter mixture and the beaten egg). Mix well.
  4. Shape the dough into 2" balls.
  5. Roll each ball in sugar before placing them, about two inches apart, on a prepared baking sheet.
  6. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon.
  7. Bake 10-12 minutes.
  8. Transfer to wire racks and allow to cool completely.

How to store ginger crinkle cookies

Store: After baking, cool the cookies completely and store them in an airtight container. They will keep for up to a week (but I promise they won't last that long). Freeze: Freeze the ginger cookies for up to three months. Pre freeze them in a single layer before packing in airtight freezer containers or bags.

Two colorful cups of tea and a plate of cookies.
Ginger cookies for tea time

Tips for Perfect Cookies

Cookie making is easy, but preparation and patience will ensure success with any recipe

Before starting:

  • Read through the recipe completely to be sure you have everything that you need, including ingredients, equipment, and time.
  • Have eggs and butter at room temperature.
  • Have all ingredients and equipment out and ready
  • Preheat oven
  • Prepare baking sheets

While Preparing:

  • Use dry dry ingredient measuring cups for dry ingredients and liquid ingredient measuring cups for liquids.
  • Measure ingredients precisely, levelling them.
  • Use a cookie scoop or melon baller for uniform sized cookies.
  • Space cookies well apart on a baking sheet to allow for spreading.
  • Set the oven timer for a couple of minutes before the recommended time to check for doneness. This allows for variable oven temperatures.
  • Use cold baking sheets to prevent excessive spreading.

After Baking:

  • Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.
  • Allow cookies to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
A stack of four cookies next to a Chistmas cookie tin.
Plump and chewy crinkle cookies

Frequently Asked Questions:

What's the difference between molasses cookies and ginger snaps?

Although both types of cookies have ginger and molasses, ginger snap cookies are crisp rather than soft and chewy like molasses cookies.

Why didn't my ginger crinkles crack?

If your crinkle cookies don't turn out crinkled, there are a couple of reasons that may be the problem. First, maybe your oven wasn't hot enough. Be sure that the oven is preheated to 325° before you put the cookies in to bake. The second reason could be your baking powder. Baking powder has an expiry date so be sure to check it.

What role does molasses have in cookies?

Molasses adds sweetness, as well as a deeper brown color to these ginger crinkle cookies as well as other baked goods. But more than that, molasses has it's own unique and distinct flavor. It's comforting sweetness it associated with warm and cozy recipes, like these classic chewy ginger cookies.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Form the cookie dough into a ball or log, in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it into balls and baking as directed.

Can I make these molasses crinkles gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. For best results, use one that contains xanthan gum.

What makes the cookies crinkle?

The secret to a crinkled cookie is rolling the cookie balls in sugar before baking. As the cookies bake, the sugar turns to sryup and then back to chrystals. This causes the top of the cookies to dry out and crack. You can use powdered sugar, but granulated sugar works best because of it's crystalized form.

More Cookies?

You may also want to try these delicious cookie recipes:

  • Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
  • Double Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
  • Whole Wheat Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a rating in the comments below and let us know how it turned out. Did you make any changes? We would love for you to share and your feedback is important! Thank you for visiting The Food Blog!

Recipe

Cookies on a wire rack

Chewy Molasses Crinkle Cookies

These soft and chewy Molasses Crinkle Cookies are delicious, gingery treats, and so easy to make.
5 from 9 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Recipe Recipe Saved!
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Course: Cookies
Cuisine: Baking
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Servings: 30
Calories: 95kcal
Author: Colleen Milne

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • dry measuring cups
  • liquid measuring cups
  • baking sheets
  • parchment paper
  • measuring spoons
  • cookie scoop

Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter unsalted
  • ½ cup molasses
  • 2 ¾ cup all purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 egg large, beaten
  • granulated sugar for rolling

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325° Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper, or spray with cooking spray
  • In a small sauce pan over low heat, melt butter and molasses together. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely
  • In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
  • Add cooled molasses / butter mixture and the beaten egg to the flour mixture
  • Mix well. Dough will be crumbly
  • Shape the dough into 2" balls.
  • Roll each ball in sugar before placing them, equally spaced on prepared baking sheets
  • Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon
  • Bake in center of oven 10-12 minutes
  • Transfer to wire racks and allow to cool completely

Notes

Lightly grease your measuring cup with oil or melted butter before pouring molasses. The molasses will slide right out.
Make this recipe gluten free by replacing the all purpose flour with a gluten free flour blend. 
To keep the cookies uniformally sized, use a cookie scoop or a melon baller for the cookie dough.
Storage: After baking, cool the cookies completely and store them in an airtight container. They will keep for up to a week (but I promise they won't last that long).
To Freeze: Freeze the ginger cookies for up to three months. Pre freeze them in a single layer before packing in airtight freezer containers or bags.

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 69mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 102IU | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @TheFoodBlog or tag #thefoodblog!

 

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  1. Carlyn Daniels

    November 18, 2021 at 1:23 am

    HI there - what replacement can i use for Molasses? thank you

    Reply
    • Colleen

      November 18, 2021 at 6:50 am

      Hi Carlyn, you could try honey or corn syrup, but molasses is a key ingredient for these ginger cookies, so I can't vouch for how they will turn out. Good luck, and I would love to hear back how it went!

      Reply
  2. Terri

    December 15, 2019 at 8:32 pm

    I have fallen in love with ginger and gingerbread things over the last 5+ years so these look super delicious! Thanks for explaining the difference between ginger crinkles and ginger snaps!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 16, 2019 at 7:09 am

      You're welcome Terri! Enjoy ♥

      Reply
  3. Trish

    December 12, 2019 at 6:03 pm

    Ginger cookies are my favorite holiday cookies! Love that these are so fat and chewy! They look delish.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 12, 2019 at 6:50 pm

      These cookies are so good, Trish, hope you give them a try!~

      Reply
  4. Denise@urbnspice

    December 12, 2019 at 5:28 pm

    I love chewy ginger cookies! Thanks so much for sharing your Ginger Cookies recipe, Colleen. They look delicious and they make such a great edible gift. Many thanks also for including my Holiday Pinwheel Biscotti in your Cookie list. That was a delightful surprise. Happy holidays!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 12, 2019 at 6:49 pm

      Thanks so much, Denise. Happy Holidays to you, too.

      Reply
  5. JustineCelina

    December 11, 2019 at 4:02 pm

    These look so yummy, Colleen -- and I love the simple ingredients list, too. Wishing you a happy holiday season!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 11, 2019 at 7:37 pm

      Thanks Justine! Happy Holidays to you, too!

      Reply
  6. Joss

    December 11, 2019 at 6:37 am

    Mmmm can't wait to bite into these!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 11, 2019 at 7:43 am

      Enjoy, they are delicious!

      Reply
  7. Leanne

    December 11, 2019 at 4:51 am

    Ginger cookies are at the top of my baking list every year. It's the one cookie my husband requests. I'll have to give your recipe a try. The crinkly top and chewy texture is perfect!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 11, 2019 at 7:41 am

      Thanks, Leanne. I hope you & your hubby love them!

      Reply
  8. Vanessa

    December 10, 2019 at 9:57 pm

    Chewy ginger cookies are the best type in my opinion😁. Thanks for the great recipe!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 11, 2019 at 7:40 am

      You're welcome, Vanessa. Enjoy!

      Reply
  9. Jeff the Chef

    December 09, 2019 at 6:55 am

    I love Ginger cookies! Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 09, 2019 at 7:47 am

      You're welcome, Jeff! Enjoy your cookies 😀

      Reply
  10. Neha

    December 08, 2019 at 9:31 pm

    These cookies look super chewy and crinkly. Just the way I like gingerbread cookies, yum!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 09, 2019 at 7:44 am

      You're going to love these cookies, then, Neha!

      Reply
  11. Irina

    December 08, 2019 at 5:45 pm

    Your cookie recipe is going to my recipe collection to make during this holiday season. Thanks for sharing! YUMMY AND DELICIOUS!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 09, 2019 at 7:42 am

      You're so welcome, Irina!

      Reply
  12. Anita

    December 08, 2019 at 4:31 pm

    Sometimes I love crunchy cookies, and sometimes melt-in-your mouth, and sometimes chewy. This chewy crinkles fits the bill when I'm in the mood for some chewy cookies, and ginger is just perfect for Christmas. 🙂

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 09, 2019 at 7:42 am

      Anita, I'm with you, I love them all! And these crinkles are perfect for Christmas. Enjoy!

      Reply
  13. Krissy Allori

    December 08, 2019 at 4:23 pm

    These are so good. I have always preferred chewy gingerbread cookies. Great flavor.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 09, 2019 at 7:40 am

      So happy you enjoyed this recipe, Krissy!

      Reply

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