Name: Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 27 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280g, 10 ounces) all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup (170g, 6 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1 cup (200g, 7 ounces) granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup (60 milliliters, 2 fluid ounces) unsulfured molasses; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (100g, 3.5 ounces) granulated sugar (for rolling); 1/2 cup (60g, 2 ounces) confectioners sugar (for rolling)

Gently folding spices into soft and spiced gingerbread crinkle cookies creates a magical winter moment.

Memories of cozy kitchens drift through my mind with each crackled edge.

Warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg whispers comfort in every bite.

Sweet molasses adds depth to these irresistible treats that dance between crisp and tender.

Powdered sugar coating hints at elegant simplicity, inviting you to experience pure baking joy.

Delicate cracks reveal a rich interior promising delightful surprises.

You’ll want to savor each morsel and share these enchanting cookies with loved ones.

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Holiday Baking Steps

Step 1: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt until perfectly combined.

The blend will smell wonderfully warm and inviting.

Step 2: Whip Up Wet Ingredient Magic

In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter and sugar.

Stir until smooth and creamy.

Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.

Mix everything until the mixture looks glossy and well-blended.

Step 3: Merge Ingredients Gently

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir carefully until just combined.

The dough will feel soft and slightly tacky to the touch.

Step 4: Chill and Rest the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and slide it into the refrigerator.

Let it rest and get cold for at least 2 hours.

This helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 5: Warm Up the Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 6: Roll and Coat Cookie Balls

Scoop small portions of dough and roll into smooth balls.

Create a coating station with two sugars:

Granulated sugar
Confectioners' sugar

Roll each dough ball first in granulated sugar, then generously coat in powdered sugar.

Step 7: Bake Until Crackly

Place sugar-coated balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies spread and develop beautiful crackled tops.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Watch as the powdery white coating creates stunning crinkle patterns.

Holiday Baking Tips For Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Chill the dough thoroughly before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain the perfect round shape.
Roll cookies in granulated sugar first, then powdered sugar, to create those signature beautiful crinkle tops with maximum visual appeal.
Slightly underbake the cookies by removing them from the oven when centers are still soft, ensuring a tender, chewy interior.
Adjust ground spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to match your personal flavor preference without compromising the cookie's structure.
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Store Gingerbread Cookies Soft & Tasty

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their soft, tender texture.
Keep cookies away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve their delicate crinkle surface and prevent softening.

Cookies That Go With Gingerbread Crinkles

Spice-Enhancing Beverage Pairing: Brew a warm mug of spiced chai tea to complement the gingerbread cookie's rich, warm flavor profile. The aromatic blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger mirrors the cookie's spice notes perfectly.
Dessert Wine Companion: Select a sweet dessert wine like a late-harvest Riesling or a golden Sauternes. These wines offer a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity that beautifully highlights the cookie's molasses undertones.
Creamy Contrast Sidekick: Enjoy a cold glass of rich, whole milk or a smooth vanilla latte. The creamy texture provides a luxurious counterpoint to the cookie's crisp edges and soft, spiced interior.
Festive Flavor Booster: Pour a small glass of bourbon or spiced rum. The subtle warmth and caramel undertones of these spirits create a harmonious connection with the gingerbread's deep, complex flavors.

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Seasonal Swaps

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the same soft texture and rich spice profile.
Vegan Spice Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg with flax egg, and use vegan-friendly sugars to create a plant-based version of the classic treat.
Low-Sugar Ginger Crinkles: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cookie's signature taste.
Dairy-Free Spiced Cookies: Swap butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil, keeping the warm gingerbread flavors intact for those with dairy restrictions.

FAQs

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough allows the butter to solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also helps the spices meld together, creating a more intense flavor profile.

How do I get the perfect crinkle effect on the cookies?

The crinkle effect comes from rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar first, then coating them in confectioners’ sugar. When baked, the top layer cracks, revealing the darker base beneath, creating the classic crinkle look.

Can I adjust the spices in the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to increase or decrease ground ginger, cinnamon, or nutmeg to suit your taste preferences. Just maintain the same total amount of spices to keep the recipe balanced.

What's the secret to keeping the cookies soft?

The key is to slightly underbake the cookies, removing them from the oven when the centers are still soft. This ensures a tender, chewy texture that gingerbread cookies are known for.

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies That Make the Holidays Sweeter

Quick Holiday Baking Delight: Whips up festive cookies with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Stress-Free Preparation: Chilling the dough makes shaping super easy, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Texture Paradise: Delivers an irresistible combination of soft, chewy centers and crackly sugared exteriors that melt in your mouth.
Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works beautifully for winter gatherings, gift-giving, or cozy weekend baking sessions with family and friends.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the cookie, providing a soft and tender base.
Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that give the classic gingerbread flavor and aroma.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread with a light texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a soft cookie texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with cookie caramelization.
Molasses: Gives deep color and signature gingerbread flavor, choose dark molasses for intense taste.
Large Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

Coating Ingredients:

Granulated Sugar, Confectioners' Sugar: Creates the signature crinkle effect and adds sweet crunch, use fresh and fine-textured sugars for best results.

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

Curating diverse recipe collections
Educating on global culinary traditions
Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations

Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

Cozy Soft & Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe