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Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Holiday Classic
There’s something undeniably magical about gingerbread crinkle cookies. The moment they emerge from the oven, crackled and dusted with snowy powdered sugar, they instantly signal the arrival of the holiday season. These cookies combine everything we love about classic gingerbread—deep molasses flavor, warming spices, and rich brown sugar—with the irresistible texture of a crinkle cookie: crisp edges, soft centers, and dramatic sugar-coated cracks.
Unlike traditional rolled gingerbread cookies that require chilling, cutting, and decorating, gingerbread crinkle cookies are wonderfully simple. The dough comes together quickly, rolls easily into balls, and transforms in the oven into bakery-style cookies that look far more impressive than the effort required. That ease is exactly why these cookies have become a staple on Christmas cookie trays, holiday dessert boards, and cozy winter baking days.
This recipe delivers thick, soft gingerbread crinkle cookies with just the right balance of spice. Ginger brings warmth, cinnamon adds sweetness, cloves add depth, and molasses ties everything together with its signature richness. Each bite is chewy, fragrant, and perfectly festive.
Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, gifting homemade treats, or filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of holiday spices, this gingerbread crinkle cookie recipe deserves a permanent place in your seasonal baking rotation.
Why Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Are So Popular
Gingerbread crinkle cookies bridge the gap between nostalgic tradition and modern convenience. They have the familiar flavor of old-fashioned gingerbread but with a soft, brownie-like texture that appeals to all ages.
Here’s why home bakers love them:
- No rolling pins or cookie cutters required
- Naturally beautiful crackled appearance
- Soft and chewy texture that stays fresh for days
- Easy to freeze and make ahead
- Perfect balance of sweet and spice
They’re also incredibly forgiving. Even beginner bakers can achieve stunning results, making them ideal for holiday baking marathons or last-minute dessert needs.
Ingredients for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Each ingredient plays a role. Molasses provides moisture and depth, brown sugar enhances chewiness, and the spice blend creates that unmistakable gingerbread aroma.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then add molasses and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft but scoopable.
- Place granulated sugar in one bowl and powdered sugar in another.
- Scoop dough into 1½-inch balls. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then generously coat in powdered sugar.
- Place dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cookies have spread, cracked, and look set on the edges but soft in the center.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and chewy gingerbread crinkle cookies with warm spices, molasses flavor, and snowy powdered sugar cracks.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg, molasses, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Roll dough into balls and coat in granulated sugar, then powdered sugar.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until cracked and set on edges.
- Cool slightly, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Do not overbake for soft centers. Chill dough briefly if too sticky.
Texture & Flavor Breakdown
These gingerbread crinkle cookies bake up with:
- Crisp, sugar-coated exteriors
- Dramatic powdered sugar cracks
- Soft, almost fudgy centers
- Rich molasses flavor without bitterness
- Balanced spice that isn’t overpowering
The double sugar coating is key. Rolling first in granulated sugar creates moisture on the surface, while powdered sugar forms those signature cracks during baking.
Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Don’t overbake: They should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven.
- Use fresh spices: Old spices lose potency and result in flat flavor.
- Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level to avoid dense cookies.
- Chill if needed: If your kitchen is warm, a 20-minute chill helps prevent excess spreading.
Variations to Try
- Orange Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the dough.
- Chocolate Gingerbread Crinkles: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder and reduce flour slightly.
- Glazed Gingerbread Crinkles: Drizzle cooled cookies with vanilla glaze.
- Spicy Gingerbread Cookies: Add a pinch of black pepper or cayenne for heat.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Gingerbread crinkle cookies store beautifully.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing dough: Roll into balls and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing baked cookies: Freeze fully cooled cookies for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve gingerbread crinkle cookies with:
- Hot cocoa or spiced chai
- Eggnog or vanilla milk
- Coffee with cinnamon creamer
- On holiday dessert boards
- Wrapped in festive bags for gifting
Gingerbread Cookies Through History
Gingerbread dates back to medieval Europe, where ginger was prized for both flavor and medicinal properties. Over centuries, gingerbread evolved into cakes, cookies, and decorative houses. Crinkle cookies are a modern American twist, combining classic spice with contemporary texture and presentation.
Final Thoughts
These gingerbread crinkle cookies are everything a holiday cookie should be: easy, beautiful, soft, and packed with warm seasonal flavor. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping gifts, or simply indulging in cozy winter baking, this recipe delivers every time.
Once you make them, don’t be surprised if they become your most-requested holiday cookie year after year