Name: Molasses Crinkles
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 1/2 hr
Yield: Makes about 6 dozen cookies
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup vegetable shortening at room temperature; 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup packed dark brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup molasses (not robust or blackstrap); About 1/3 cup sanding or granulated sugar* for tops of cookies

Photo by Mikkel Vang

The zing of ginger and the sweetness of molasses combine in perfect proportions in this cookie, sent to us by Jane Booth Vollers of Chester, Connecticut. Her grandmother, Helen Dougherty, made batches and batches of them every holiday season.

Cooks' note:

Cookies keep, layered between sheets of wax paper or parchment, in an airtight container at room temperature 2 weeks.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.