Description
This heritage-inspired recipe produces incredibly soft molasses cookies with a signature crackled top and a dense, chewy center. By utilizing specific chilling and pan-banging techniques, these cookies achieve a perfect balance of warming spices and rich, dark sweetness.
Ingredients
- 281g All-Purpose Flour
- 170g Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature
- 80ml Unsulphured Molasses
- Baking Soda
- Ground Ginger
- Ground Cinnamon
- Ground Cloves
- Ground Nutmeg
- Salt
- Light Brown Sugar
- Granulated Sugar (for dough and coating)
- 1 Large Egg, room temperature
- Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Whisk the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt together in a medium bowl until evenly distributed.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with light brown and granulated sugars on high speed for approximately two minutes until pale and aerated.
- Add the molasses to the butter mixture and beat until integrated, then add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat for another minute.
- Turn the mixer to low speed and slowly add the dry ingredients, mixing only until white streaks of flour disappear.
- Cover the dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow for proper hydration and fat solidification.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-tablespoon sized balls and coat them thoroughly in granulated sugar.
- Place the balls on the baking sheets spaced three inches apart and bake for 11–12 minutes.
- Remove the sheet and firmly tap it against the counter a few times to create signature cracks, then return to the oven for one final minute before cooling.
Notes
To ensure the most consistent results, use a digital scale for measuring the flour and molasses, as volume measurements can vary significantly. For a deeper development of the spice profile, consider chilling the dough for a full 24 hours before baking, which allows the ginger and cinnamon to fully permeate the flour base.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American