30-Minute Spiced Chocolate Snap Cookies
These soft chocolate spice cookies combine warming spices like cinnamon and cloves with a hint of red pepper heat and rich cocoa. The molasses adds depth and chewiness while keeping the cookies tender. Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday cookie exchanges, they offer a sophisticated twist on traditional spice cookies. The dough is easy to work with and the cookies maintain their soft texture for days. Rolling them in cinnamon sugar before baking creates a sweet, spiced crust that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate base.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper
- 2
Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cloves and red pepper flakes together and set aside
- 3
Beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until creamy
- 4
Beat in egg, scraping bowl sides often, then beat in molasses, scraping bowl again
- 5
Add flour mixture and stir with heavy duty scraper until thick dough forms
- 6
Scoop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls and roll into balls
- 7
Arrange balls a few inches apart on parchment lined baking sheets
- 8
Press down to make 1 1/2 to 2 inch circles
- 9
Sprinkle tops with cinnamon sugar or sprinkles
- 10
Bake one sheet at a time for about 15 minutes or until cookies appear set
- 11
Cool completely on wire rack
Tips
Soften butter to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar
Press cookies to consistent thickness for even baking
Cool completely before storing to prevent sticking together
Good to Know
airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days
dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated
at room temperature
Common Mistakes
soften butter properly to avoid lumpy dough
don't overbake or cookies will become hard
press to even thickness to prevent uneven baking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, wrap dough tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Let come to room temperature before rolling and shaping for easier handling.
What if I don't have molasses?
Substitute with honey or dark corn syrup in equal amounts, though the flavor will be slightly different and less complex.
How long do these cookies keep?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They actually improve in flavor after the first day.