Chocolate Molasses Cookies

Chocolate molasses cookie

A Soft, Chewy Cookie with Deep Molasses Flavor and a Classic Sugary Crust

These molasses crinkle cookies are everything a holiday cookie should be: rich with dark molasses, soft in the center, and coated in crackled sugar for that perfect sparkle. Hints of cocoa and brown sugar bring warmth and depth, while a dash of vinegar gives them that signature crinkle as they bake. Chill the dough, roll into balls, and let the oven do the magic. These are an all-time favorite for cookie swaps, holiday tins, and cozy December afternoons.

Ingredients

⅔ cup (150 g) unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups (320 g) granulated sugar
⅓ cup (80 g) light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
½ cup (160 g) molasses
1 tablespoon (15 g) white vinegar
1 teaspoon (5 g) vanilla extract
3½ cups (420 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (105 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon (14 g) baking soda (Only use 1½ teaspoons if baking at altitude)
1½ teaspoons (7 g) salt
Extra sugar for rolling

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

Add eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl as needed.

Slowly stream in the molasses, vinegar, and vanilla. Mix until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.

Chill the dough until firm—at least 1 hour or overnight. Please don't skip this part- they are very hard to scoop when they are room temp. I've tried- its not worth the aggravation!

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Portion the dough into 20g balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat and slightly flatten on a cookie sheet with the palm of your hand, spacing 2 inches apart.

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until cookies are cracked and spread, but still soft in the center. Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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