Description

These thick, pillow-soft molasses cookies feature a stunning crackled sugar crust and a chewy, spiced center. Infused with a fragrant quartet of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, they deliver a deeply comforting and wholesome farmhouse flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg, room temperature
⅓ cup dark molasses (unsulphured)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is uniform.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars on high speed for approximately two minutes until the texture is creamy.
Pour in the dark molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, then beat for another minute while scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Set the mixer to low and gradually incorporate the flour mixture, mixing only until the white streaks disappear into a dark, sticky dough.
Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour to ensure the dough is firm enough to handle and the flavors have melded.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop about one tablespoon of dough at a time, roll into smooth balls, and coat thoroughly in a bowl of granulated sugar.
Place the balls three inches apart on the baking sheets and bake for 11 to 12 minutes until the edges are set.
If cracks haven’t formed, gently bang the pan on the counter once or twice immediately after removal; let cool on the pan for five minutes before moving to a wire rack.

Notes

For the most consistent texture, ensure your egg and butter are truly at room temperature before beginning to prevent the batter from breaking. If you prefer an even deeper flavor profile, let the dough rest in the refrigerator overnight to allow the spices to fully bloom within the flour base.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American