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Snappy Molasses Crinkles
Snappy Molasses Crinkles are a beloved classic spiced cookie, rich with the warm flavors of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. With a chewy interior and a beautifully cracked sugar-coated exterior, they are especially popular during colder months and holiday seasons. The combination of dark molasses and brown sugar gives these cookies their signature flavor and soft texture, while the spices add a comforting zing that earns them the “snappy” name. Easy to make ahead and refrigerate, they’re perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, or an after-school treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 32 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 48 cookies
Calories 74 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed )
  • ¾ cup shortening
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 1 egg (large )
  • Granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  • Cream together brown sugar, shortening, molasses, and egg until well blended.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
  • Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

  • Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or more.

Step 3: Shape and Coat

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Shape dough into 1-inch balls.
  • Roll each ball in granulated sugar.

Step 4: Bake

  • Place balls on an ungreased baking sheet, spaced about 3 inches apart.
  • Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until tops are cracked and centers are set.
  • Cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips

  • Substitute butter for shortening for a slightly richer flavor.
  • Add orange zest for a citrusy twist.
  • Use coarse sugar for extra sparkle and crunch.
  • Freeze dough balls for easy baking later, just bake from frozen, adding 1 to 2 extra minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 74kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 28mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 0.002mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword chewy cookies, classic dessert, crinkle cookies, holiday baking, molasses cookies, vintage baking, warm spices
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