There’s something magical about that first batch of cookies when the weather turns cold. For me, it’s always been gingerbread crinkle cookies. Their warm spices, that signature cracked top dusted in powdered sugar, and the nostalgic smell that fills the house, pure holiday bliss. I remember the first time I made these for my husband. I wasn’t sure he’d be into gingerbread, but the way he lit up after the first bite? Let’s just say these cookies became our December tradition. Now, they’re the most requested treat in our kitchen and a must for every cookie tray.
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Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe
These gingerbread cookies are everything a holiday cookie should be: soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and bursting with flavor. The dough comes together quickly, chills like a dream, and bakes into those picture-perfect crinkles without any fuss. You don’t need fancy tools; just simple pantry ingredients and a bit of time. They’re make-ahead friendly, freezer-friendly, and kid-approved.
Plus, they look like little snow-dusted pillows of spice. Serve them at your holiday party or wrap a batch up for edible gifts. And if you’re building out a festive dessert tray, pair them with something like these Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies for a double gingerbread punch.
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
These gingerbread crinkle cookies are soft, perfectly spiced, and irresistibly festive with their snow-dusted tops. An easy recipe for holiday gifting or cozy nights.
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground ginger
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup molasses
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
½ cup powdered sugar (for final coating)
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually stir in dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
5. Cover and chill dough for at least 2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in granulated sugar, then powdered sugar.
8. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes.
9. Cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Make ahead and freeze for up to 3 months.
For an extra kick, add chopped candied ginger.
Chill the dough to get perfect crinkles every time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Ingredients for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
What makes these cookies so irresistible is the balance of deep molasses richness with those bold holiday spices. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for final coating)
These ingredients are pantry staples during the holidays, especially if you’re also baking classics like these Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies for the cookie box.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
- Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. - Chill
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. Chilling is essential; it makes the dough easier to roll and gives you those classic crinkles when baking. - Roll & Coat
Scoop the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll first in granulated sugar, then generously in powdered sugar. - Bake
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. The tops should crack, and the edges should be set. Cool on the tray for a few minutes, then move to a wire rack.
Craving more cozy bakes? These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies make another great seasonal option.
Tips and Variations
- Make-Ahead and Freeze
Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time. - Add a Twist
Toss in some finely chopped candied ginger for extra spice, or drizzle cooled cookies with white chocolate for a decorative finish. - Soft vs. Chewy
Bake a minute less for a softer center or a minute more for a firmer bite. They’ll firm up as they cool either way, so don’t overbake.
Looking for more festive flavors? Add these Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies to your baking list for an extra indulgent treat.
FAQs
1. Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?
Most likely, the dough wasn’t cold enough or the powdered sugar coating was too thin. Chilled dough and a generous dusting are key.
2. Can I use blackstrap molasses?
It’s too bitter for cookies. Stick to mild or unsulphured molasses for the best flavor.
3. How should I store them?
Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Can I skip the granulated sugar roll?
That layer helps the powdered sugar stick better and adds a bit of crunch. It’s worth the step!
If you’re looking to round out your cookie box, don’t miss these Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies.
Conclusion
These gingerbread crinkle cookies are more than just a seasonal treat, they’re a memory in the making. Whether you’re baking them for family traditions, gifting them to friends, or just indulging with a warm drink by the fire, they never disappoint. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and pure holiday magic in every bite.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
