Molasses Crinkles Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Cuisine: American

Molasses crinkles cookies feature rich molasses and warm spices, offering a chewy, flavorful treat perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups shortening
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 to 4 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon cloves
  • 2 teaspoons ginger

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined.
  3. Roll dough into small balls and roll in sugar.
  4. Press cookies down with a glass to flatten slightly.
  5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are crisp.

Tips & Substitutions

For a chewier texture, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls. You can substitute half of the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you don't have molasses, dark corn syrup can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be different. Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra warm spice note.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a slice of Cranberry Grand Marnier Cheesecake. They also make an excellent addition to holiday cookie platters or as a sweet treat for gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Molasses Crinkles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, place cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Molasses Crinkles Cookies contains roughly 755 calories, with 4g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and potassium (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2362mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).

755 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4g 8% DV
Total Fat 34.7g 44% DV
Carbs 121g 44% DV
Fiber 15g 53% DV
Sugar 76g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2361.9mg 100% DV
Potassium 1978.5mg 42% DV
Cholesterol 13mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.2mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 27.3mg 30% DV
Calcium 486.6mg 37% DV
Iron 8.7mg 48% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for some or all of the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour will make the cookies denser and may require a slight adjustment in the liquid content to maintain the right texture.

What if I don't have baking soda?

If you don't have baking soda, you can use baking powder as a substitute, but you'll need to increase the amount to about 1 tablespoon for every teaspoon of baking soda. Note that this may alter the texture and flavor slightly, so use it as a last resort.

How do I make these cookies less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the sugar by about 1/2 cup or use less molasses. Consider adding a pinch of salt or incorporating dark chocolate chips, which can balance out the sweetness while adding a rich flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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