This will be my first Christmas without my mom. I have found comfort since her death in September by cooking or baking her favorite things. One thing mom loved at Christmas were these “Molasses Crinkles” cookies. I remember making these with her many times, and even recall a time when I took them to my grade school class for a treat. I am not even sure the origin of the recipe. It may have been in a cookbook or magazine of long ago, or maybe one her own mother made. All I know is when I make these, the kitchen smells like mom. She loved anything with ginger, and other spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The aromas of Christmas baking; memories of mom.
The edges will be crisp and the middles soft. The cookies are not like a gingersnap.
This is the original recipe card that I copied from my mom’s card. From the looks of my handwriting, I probably wrote this in about 6th grade. It’s faded, stained, and even almost gone in spots. But this is the best kind of card to me.
Here is a more legible version that you can print out. Happy baking, everyone! ‘Tis the season.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar, to coat tops of cookies
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Have 2 cookie sheets ready, either non-stick and ungreased or lined with parchment.
- In bowl of electric mixer, cream together butter and brown sugar until well-mixed.
- Add egg and molasses and mix well.
- In another bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and all spices. Add to mixing bowl and beat until mixed.
- Form dough into a ball and wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, at least a few hours or overnight. (I like to let the dough chill overnight)
- When ready to bake, place the 3 Tablespoons of sugar on a small plate. Roll the chilled dough into 1" balls, dip the tops of dough in the sugar and place on cookie sheets.
- Bake for about 8 minutes or until cookies are golden and look firm around the edges. Remove from oven, let sit on baking sheet for a couple minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool. Makes about 4-1/2 dozen cookies.
These sound and look delicious!!! Thank you!
Baking is such an extension of the heart. No doubt your mom is smiling and wishing she could physically join you in a cup of tea. I hope you feel her presence.
Lisa, I feel mom all the time.
Don’t you love how the holidays make you reminisce? Even if you’re sad, there’s a comfort in these memories. They’re not as good as a hug…. or maybe they’re just not the same as a hug. I definitely feel the tidal wave of emotion during the holidays. Or course, my father’s passing isn’t as new as your mom’s. And it will always suck. Sorry, it just does. But, the love from afar seems stronger during Christmastime. I hope your heart can feel the love and connection to your mom. And I’m sending you a hug from across the ocean.
Dana, your words are wise and much appreciated. I’m sorry for the loss of your father. The loss of parents will always be there, but the holidays, especially the first one, is difficult. I feel your hug across the ocean. Thank you for that. Right back to you too.
This is a wonderful recipe! I made these and just loved the depth of flavor, the ease of preparation, and the incredible taste all around! So much good eating in one little cookie!
I’m thrilled that you loved my mom’s cookies, Sue! Thanks for writing!
Debbie, I met you at the Advent Tea at church. I made these today and they are delicious. Thanks for the recipe.
Martha
Hi Martha! Wasn’t the tea wonderful? I’m so happy you liked my mom’s molasses cookies. She would have been thrilled to know people are still making and enjoying them. Thank you so much for letting me know.