Molasses Buns or Molasses Crinkles

Here are two classic recipes featuring the rich, warm flavor of molasses: soft and fluffy Molasses Buns and chewy, spiced Molasses Crinkles. Choose your favorite, or bake both for a nostalgic treat!

🍞 Soft Molasses Buns (Old-Fashioned Style)

Yield: 12 buns | Prep Time: 20 min (+ rise time) | Bake Time: 15–18 min

🧂 Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

• ¼ cup warm water

• ¼ cup molasses

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground ginger or allspice (optional)

• 3½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour

🔪 Instructions:

1. Activate yeast:
   Combine warm water, a pinch of sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix wet ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together milk, molasses, brown sugar, butter, salt, and spice (if using). Add in the yeast mixture.

3. Add flour:
   Stir in 3½ cups flour, 1 cup at a time. Knead until dough is smooth and elastic, adding more flour as needed.

4. First rise:
   Cover bowl and let dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape & second rise:
   Punch down the dough, divide into 12 buns, and place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes.

6. Bake:
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden.
   Optional: Brush with melted butter while warm.

🍪 Molasses Crinkles (Chewy Molasses Cookies)

Yield: ~2 dozen | Prep Time: 15 min | Bake Time: 10–12 min

🧂 Ingredients:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup molasses

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• ½ tsp ground cloves

• ¼ tsp salt

• Granulated sugar (for rolling)

🔪 Instructions:

1. Cream butter & sugar:
   In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add egg & molasses:
   Mix in the egg and molasses until well combined.

3. Add dry ingredients:
   In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture and mix until dough forms.

4. Chill dough (optional):
   Refrigerate for 30 minutes for easier handling and more flavorful cookies.

5. Roll & bake:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in granulated sugar, and place 2 inches apart on baking sheet.

6. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set and tops are crackled. Cool on wire rack.

📝 Tips:

• For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake and let cool on the pan.

• Add orange zest or crystalized ginger for a fun twist.

• Molasses buns pair beautifully with butter and jam for breakfast or tea time.