If you’re looking for a cozy, nostalgic treat that melts in your mouth with just the right amount of chew and spice, I absolutely love this Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies have the perfect crackled sugar crust and that deep molasses flavor that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Once you make these, you’ll find they disappear faster than you can say “more please,” and I’m here to walk you through every step so your batch comes out perfectly every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Deep Flavor: Browning the butter and using molasses gives these cookies a warm, caramel-y depth.
Chewy with a Crinkled Sugar Top: The dual rolling in granulated and powdered sugar creates a perfect crackled finish.
Easy to Make Ahead: Chill the dough anytime from 2 to 24 hours for flexible baking schedules.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for these every holiday season and I bet yours will too.

Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work in harmony to give you molasses cookies that are chewy but not heavy, and bursting with warm spices. Using browned butter is my secret weapon here—it just lifts the flavor to a new level.

Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe - Ingredients

Butter: Browning the butter first adds a nutty richness that plain melted butter can’t match.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that crispy crackled exterior when rolled on the dough balls.
Brown Sugar: Keeps the cookies moist and enhances the molasses flavor.
Molasses: The star of the show—choose unsulfured for the best flavor.
Egg: Room temperature is key for even mixing and tender cookies.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely background flavor that complements the spices.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies puff just enough and crackle beautifully.
Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg: The warming spices that make these cookies so irresistible.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure; I always weigh mine for best results.
Granulated Sugar & Powdered Sugar (for rolling): This double coating creates that classic crinkle effect and extra sweetness outside.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the season or what I have on hand. This Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe is super versatile, so don’t be shy about making it your own—adding nuts or tweaking spices really makes a difference.

Walnut or Pecan Addition: I once tossed chopped toasted pecans into the dough, and it gave the cookies a delightful crunch and earthy note my family adored.
Spice Adjustments: Feel free to boost the ginger or cinnamon if you’re craving a spicier cookie — I sometimes add a pinch of cardamom for a twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend; just make sure it includes xanthan gum to keep the cookies together.
Less Sweet: Reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a milder sweetness without losing that crinkle effect.

How to Make Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter for Big Flavor

Start by melting ¾ cup of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Watch it carefully as it melts and foams—keep stirring so it doesn’t burn. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns a golden brown color and fills the kitchen with a lovely nutty aroma. This step can make the biggest flavor difference, so don’t rush it. Once browned, pour the butter into a bowl and pop it in the fridge to solidify again, about an hour. I like to get this done ahead of time, which saves stress later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Place your solidified browned butter in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, then add your granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat on a medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this helps trap air for lighter cookies. If you don’t have a stand mixer, sturdy hand mixing works too; just be patient.

Step 3: Add Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla

Next, pour in the molasses, crack in your room-temp egg, and add the vanilla extract. Mix everything again until well combined. You’ll notice the dough start to look glossy and stickier—that’s exactly what you want for these chewy treats.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients Gently

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and all the spices—ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring on low speed or folding by hand. I like to stop mixing when there are still streaks of flour visible; it keeps the cookies tender. Overmixing can toughen them, so less is more here.

Step 5: Chill Your Dough

Using a ¼ cup cookie scoop (or your hands), portion out dough balls and place them in the fridge for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. The chilling really helps develop flavor and keeps your cookies from spreading too much during baking. I usually prep the dough the night before and bake fresh the next day.

Step 6: Sugar-Coat and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll each chilled dough ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar—this double coating creates that signature crinkle top. Arrange 6 to 8 dough balls on each sheet, giving them space to spread a little. Bake for 11-13 minutes until you see edges turning a light golden brown and beautiful crackles forming on the top. Remember, don’t over-bake! The centers should remain soft and chewy when cooled.

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Pro Tips for Making Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Use a Kitchen Scale: Measuring flour by weight ensures your dough isn’t too dry or too wet for the perfect texture.
Don’t Skip Butter Browning: It adds depth and richness that make these cookies unforgettable.
Chill the Dough Well: This prevents spreading, so your cookies keep their shape and crinkle beautifully.
Watch Your Bake Time: Over-baking dries out the cookies; the edges should be brown but the centers soft when removed.

How to Serve Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to serve these cookies simply with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness and visual appeal, especially around the holidays. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few cloves of star anise around the serving plate—not to eat, but just for that aromatic touch. For a special twist, a tiny smear of cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with the spiced flavors.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine on their own but are fantastic alongside a steaming cup of chai tea, hot cocoa, or even a cold glass of milk. For brunch gatherings, I’ve paired them with spiced apple cider or a pumpkin latte—both highlight the warm spices in the cookies brilliantly.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve wrapped stacks of these cookies with rustic twine for gift-giving—they make a heartfelt homemade gift. For parties, I arrange them in a circle around a small bowl of cream cheese dip dusted with cinnamon. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay tasty for about 4-5 days and maintain their chewy texture if you keep the container sealed well. I add a slice of bread inside the container sometimes—that little trick keeps them soft by retaining moisture.

Freezing

I like to freeze the dough balls before baking. After chilling them for a couple of hours, I place the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed plastic bag. This way, whenever a cookie craving hits, I bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To freshen up leftover cookies, I pop them in a 300°F oven for just 5 minutes—it revives the chewiness without drying them out. You can also microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 10 seconds for a soft, warm treat.

FAQs

Can I make these Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe without browning the butter?

Yes, you can skip the browning step if you’re short on time, but you’ll lose some of the rich, nutty flavor that browned butter imparts. If you want a quicker version, just melt and cool the butter, though I recommend trying browned butter at least once for the best taste.
Why do I need to roll the dough balls in both granulated sugar and powdered sugar?

The granulated sugar adds crunch and helps prevent dough balls from sticking, while the powdered sugar creates that beautiful, signature crackled top. Rolling in both gives the cookies their trademark look and texture.
How long can I chill the dough before baking?

You can chill the dough anywhere from 2 hours up to 24 hours. The longer the chill, the deeper the flavors develop, and the easier the dough is to shape. Just be sure to cover it tightly so it doesn’t dry out in the fridge.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Absolutely! Once fully cooled, place cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Molasses Crinkle Cookies Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites, not just because of how amazing they taste but also because of the memories they evoke—baking them always fills my kitchen with the scent of home and comfort. I encourage you to try this recipe exactly as I’ve shared it, and then feel free to make it your own over time. Trust me when I say these cookies will become a go-to anytime you want something sweet, warm, and utterly satisfying. Happy baking, friend!