Dark Chocolate Molasses Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Beat butter, molasses, cocoa, 1/3 cup sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt together in a large bowl until well blended. Beat in flour on low speed just until blended; dough will be firm.

Form into 1-inch balls; roll in 1/4 cup sugar. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake in the preheated oven until puffy and cracked on top, 8 to 9 minutes. Cool on the cookie sheets for 1 minute before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.