Cozy Molasses Crackle Cookies Recipe: Sweet Winter Joy

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my molasses crackle cookies recipe, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every bite.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these treats irresistible for afternoon snacking or dessert.

Delicate sugar crystals coat each cookie, creating a sparkling surface that catches light beautifully.

Rich, deep molasses provides a complex sweetness impossible to resist.

Baking these cookies fills your home with an inviting aroma that draws everyone to the kitchen.

Subtle spices hint at comfort and tradition, making each cookie more than just a simple treat.

Come join me in creating these delightful morsels that connect us to cherished culinary traditions.

Why Molasses Crackle Cookies Are a Spiced Classic

• Bake with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, these molasses crackle cookies require simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that anyone can master.
• Create Cozy Comfort: Packed with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies deliver a nostalgic, homey feeling that wraps you in delicious memories.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Guaranteed to be a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday parties, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and spice that appeals to all ages.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: From start to finish, this recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous baking sessions or when you need a fast dessert solution.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Molasses Crackle Cookies

• Canola Oil: A neutral-flavored oil that helps create a moist and tender cookie texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cookie's golden-brown color and crisp edges.
• Molasses: Adds a rich, deep flavor and contributes to the cookie's soft, chewy consistency.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and provides structure to the cookie.

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structural component that gives the cookie its shape and texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread during baking, creating a light and crackled surface.
• Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves: Classic warm spices that provide a complex, aromatic flavor profile typical of molasses cookies.

• Sugar: Creates a sweet, sparkling exterior and helps develop a crisp outer layer when baked.

How to Bake Perfect Molasses Crackle Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, blend canola oil and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add molasses and egg, mixing thoroughly until the mixture becomes uniform and glossy.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Ginger
• Cinnamon
• Cloves

Ensure all spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 5: Roll and Coat Cookies

Prepare a small bowl with sugar for coating.

Use a cookie scoop to form dough balls, then roll each one in the sugar until completely covered. This creates a sparkling, crackly exterior.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown and tops develop characteristic crackles.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

The cookies will continue to crisp up as they cool.

Tips for Crispy, Chewy Molasses Crackle Cookies

• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and smoother dough consistency.
• Roll cookies in extra sugar just before baking to create a delightful crackly, sparkly exterior.
• For chewier cookies, slightly underbake by removing from oven when edges are set but centers look slightly soft.
• Experiment with spice variations like adding a pinch of cardamom or black pepper for unexpected depth of flavor.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture and prevent rapid hardening.

Variations to Try on Molasses Crackle Cookies

• Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Spice Cookies: Substitute egg with flax egg and use coconut oil instead of canola oil to create a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Crackle Cookies: Swap regular sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for reduced sugar content.
• Ginger-Cardamom Variation: Add ground cardamom alongside existing spices for an aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile.

What Pairs Well with Molasses Crackle Cookies

• Pair with Warm Spiced Chai Tea: Complement the cookie's rich molasses and warm spices with a creamy, spiced chai that echoes the ginger and cinnamon notes.
• Create a Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Match: Serve alongside smooth, cold vanilla bean ice cream to contrast the cookie's warm, slightly crisp texture and provide a cooling balance.
• Enjoy with Caramel Macchiato: Select a caramel macchiato to enhance the molasses sweetness and add a luxurious coffee undertone that deepens the cookie's complex flavor profile.
• Combine with Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: Craft a light cream cheese frosting for dipping, which adds tangy brightness and creamy richness to the spiced, crackly cookie.

How to Store Molasses Crackle Cookies Correctly

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and preventing moisture loss.
• Carefully place cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating each layer. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container with a tight lid at room temperature. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor. Add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture.

FAQs

• Why are my cookies not cracking on top?

The cracked top happens when the cookies are baked at the right temperature and the dough is rolled in sugar before baking. Ensure your oven is preheated to 350F and roll the dough balls completely in sugar for that signature crackle effect.

• Can I use different spices in this recipe?

Yes! While the recipe calls for ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, you can adjust the spice blend to your taste. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and slightly cracked tops. The cookies might seem soft when first removed from the oven but will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Molasses Crackle Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 48 1x

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Description

Sweet molasses crackle cookies bring cozy comfort from grandmother’s kitchen. Rich spices and crackled surface invite eager bakers to savor these classic, irresistible treats perfect for sharing with loved ones.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 2/3 cups (460 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 cups (450 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) canola oil

Spices and Leavening:

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Binding and Flavor:

• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) molasses
• 1 egg

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. Create a smooth base by vigorously blending canola oil and sugar until creamy, then introduce molasses and egg, mixing until fully unified.
3. Craft the dry foundation by whisking flour, baking soda, and warm spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves) in a separate vessel to ensure even distribution.
4. Gently fold the dry mixture into the molasses blend, stirring carefully to maintain a consistent texture without overmixing.
5. Transform dough into delectable morsels by scooping two-tablespoon portions and generously coating each in granulated sugar for a sparkling exterior.
6. Position cookie spheres on prepared sheets, maintaining two-inch intervals to allow proper expansion during the 10-12 minute baking process.
7. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for five minutes, permitting initial stabilization before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling and texture refinement.

Notes

• Swap canola oil with coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist and healthier fat option.
• Use whole wheat flour to boost fiber and create a slightly nuttier flavor profile.
• Experiment with alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and enhance cookie texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 48
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg