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Old-Fashioned Molasses Crinkles: A Timeless Holiday Treasure
Thereās something magical about cookies that taste like traditionāthe kind that transport you back to childhood with just one bite. TheseĀ molasses crinklesĀ are exactly that: aĀ perfectly spiced, chewy-centered, sugar-crusted homage to holiday baking at its finest. But donāt let their vintage charm fool youāthis recipe has been meticulously refined for modern bakers who craveĀ bold flavor and fuss-free techniques.
Why These Cookies Belong on Your Holiday Table
Molasses crinkles stand apart from ordinary gingerbread cookies with theirĀ triple-texture alchemy:
āļøĀ Crackly sugar topsĀ that shimmer like winter frost
āļøĀ Chewy middlesĀ with a slight pull (thanks to dark molasses)
āļøĀ Crisp edgesĀ for that satisfying bite
The Molasses Advantage
Not all molasses is created equal. We insist onĀ dark molassesĀ (not blackstrap) because:
- Itās theĀ perfect midpointāless bitter than blackstrap, more complex than light
- ItsĀ mineral-rich depthĀ (iron, calcium, magnesium) adds nuance to the spices
- TheĀ thick consistencyĀ prevents overspreading for plump cookies
Spice Blend Secrets
TheĀ ginger-cinnamon-clove trifectaĀ isnāt arbitraryāeach plays a critical role:
šæĀ GingerĀ (1½ tsp) – Provides warm, peppery backbone
šĀ CinnamonĀ (1 tsp) – Adds sweet, woody notes
āļøĀ ClovesĀ (½ tsp) – Lends intense, wintery aroma
Pro Tip: For extra dimension, add a pinch of black pepperāit amplifies the gingerās heat!
Dough Science for Perfect Results
The magic lies in the method:
- Chilling is non-negotiableĀ (2+ hours) ā firms up the dough for clean sugar coating
- Rolling techniqueĀ ā Use damp hands to help sugar adhere without overhandling
- Baking tempĀ ā 350°F (not 375°F) prevents burnt bottoms
Make-Ahead Brilliance
These cookies are a busy bakerās dream:
ā¢Ā Freeze dough ballsĀ for 3 monthsābake straight from frozen (+1 min to bake time)
ā¢Ā Store baked cookiesĀ in airtight layers with parchment for gifting
ā¢Ā Double the spiceĀ if baking aheadāflavors mellow over time
Cultural Roots & Modern Twists
Originally called āmolasses puffsā in 19th-century New England, these cookies:
- WereĀ economical treatsĀ during the Great Depression (molasses was cheap and shelf-stable)
- Evolved intoĀ holiday staplesĀ thanks to their warm spice profile
- Now getĀ creative upgradesĀ like:
Candied ginger chunks
Orange zest in the sugar coating
Dark chocolate drizzle
Why They Outshine Store-Bought
Commercial versions fail because they:
ā Use corn syrup instead of real molasses
ā Skimp on spice quantities
ā Bake to tooth-breaking hardness for shelf life
When you make these, you preserve:
ā
Ā Authentic textureĀ ā slightly soft centers with delicate cracks
ā
Ā Spice balanceĀ ā no single flavor overpowers
ā
Ā Homemade heartĀ ā imperfections included
Beyond the Cookie Tray
While sublime alone, these crinkles shine in unexpected ways:
ā¢Ā Crumbled over oatmealĀ for breakfast indulgence
ā¢Ā Sandwiched with lemon creamĀ for sweet-tart contrast
ā¢Ā Gifted in mason jarsĀ with recipe tags for foodie friends
āThe cookies that make your kitchen smell like a holiday candleāin the best possible way.ā
Perfect for:Ā Holiday parties,Ā Christmas cookie exchanges, or pairing with coffee on a snowy day. āļøā
Spiced Molasses Crinkles
Chewy, warmly spiced cookies with crackly sugar tops ā a holiday classic! ownthatcrown,com
Equipment Needed (Amazon Deals, Buy Now, Click On Link Below)
* Stand Mixer Ā
* Food Processor
* Electric Mixer
* Blender
š„£ For the Cookie Dough:
-
Large Mixing Bowl ā for creaming butter, sugar, and molasses
-
Medium Mixing Bowl ā to whisk together dry ingredients (flour, spices, etc.)
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Measuring Cups and Spoons ā for molasses, flour, sugar, spices, etc.
-
Whisk ā to combine dry ingredients evenly
-
Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer ā for creaming and smooth blending
-
Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon ā for folding and scraping the bowl
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Small Bowl ā to hold sugar for rolling the dough balls
-
Plastic WrapĀ ā if you want to chill the dough for a thicker cookie
šŖ For Baking:
-
Baking Sheets (2 or more) ā to bake multiple batches
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Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats ā for even baking and easy cleanup
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Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon ā to portion dough evenly
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Cooling Rack ā for air circulation and cooling after baking
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Oven Mitts ā for safe pan handling
-
ToothpickĀ ā to test doneness (slightly firm edges, soft center)
Optional but Helpful:
-
Sifter ā for flour or to evenly mix spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg
-
Storage Container or Cookie Tin ā to keep them soft and fresh
-
Spice Grinder or Mortar and Pestle ā if you’re using whole spices for extra flavor
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Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50g) vegetable oil
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar (+ ½ cup extra for rolling)
- ¼ cup (60ml) dark molasses (not blackstrap)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Mix wet ingredients: Whisk melted butter, oil, ¾ cup sugar, molasses, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients:Ā Stir in flour, baking soda, spices, and salt until just combined.
- Chill doughĀ 1 hour (or up to 3 days) for thicker cookies.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Shape & roll:Ā Scoop 1½-tbsp dough balls, roll in reserved sugar, and space 2″ apart.
- Bake 10-12 minutesĀ until edges are set but centers look slightly underdone.
- CoolĀ 5 minutes on sheets, then transfer to racks.
Tips
- Molasses note:Ā Dark molasses (not blackstrap) balances sweetness and spice.
- Crisp vs. chewy:Ā Bake 10 mins for chewy, 12 mins for crisp edges.
- Spice swap:Ā Replace cloves with ¼ tsp black pepper for a “gingersnap” kick.
- Storage:Ā Keep airtight for 1 week or freeze dough balls for 3 months.
Why These Work
- Oil + butterĀ ensures chewiness without spreading too thin.
- Double sugarĀ coating creates the signature crinkle.
- ChillingĀ prevents flattening and deepens spice flavors.
Serve with hot cider or pack inĀ gift boxes! š