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Molasses Cookies Recipe: Easy Tender Cookies with Sparkling Sugar Crust

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These classic molasses cookies are soft and tender inside with a sparkling, crunchy sugar crust. Quick to make and packed with warm spices, they’re perfect for holidays, gifting, or everyday comfort.

Ingredients

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  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup coarse or turbinado sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  4. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  6. Pour coarse or turbinado sugar into a shallow bowl. Scoop dough (about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie), roll into balls, and coat in sugar.
  7. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake one sheet at a time for 10-12 minutes, until cookies puff up and edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.
  9. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. For extra sparkle, sprinkle more sugar on top as soon as cookies come out of the oven.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature butter and egg. Don’t overmix the dough after adding flour. Coarse sugar gives the best sparkle and crunch. If cookies spread too much, chill dough for 15-20 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: molasses cookies, holiday cookies, sparkling sugar, easy cookies, ginger cookies, cinnamon cookies, classic cookies, soft cookies, Christmas cookies, comfort food

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/molasses-cookies-recipe-easy-tender-cookies-with-sparkling-sugar-crust/