Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe Festive Holiday Staple

Festive holiday magic sparkles in these delightful gingerbread crinkle cookies that dance with warmth and spice.

Soft pillowy centers nestle beneath a crackling sugar-dusted exterior that promises pure comfort.

Molasses and aromatic spices weave together, creating a nostalgic flavor profile that feels like a cozy winter embrace.

Sweet hints of cinnamon and ginger whisper memories of childhood gatherings and laughter.

Each cookie carries a delicate crackle that reveals a tender, chewy heart waiting to melt in your mouth.

Rich brown edges hint at deep, complex flavors that will captivate anyone who takes a bite.

Bake these little wonders and watch how quickly they disappear from the cookie plate.

Pro Tips to Perfect Your Gingerbread Cookie Texture

• Chill Dough for Perfect Shape: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to help cookies maintain their round shape and prevent spreading during baking.
• Control Sugar Coating: Roll cookies generously in powdered sugar for a beautiful crinkle effect, but don't overdo it- a light, even coating works best for stunning visual appeal.
• Spice Balance Matters: Use fresh, high-quality ground spices to ensure a robust gingerbread flavor; check spice expiration dates to guarantee maximum taste and aroma.
• Prevent Overbaking: Watch cookies closely and remove from oven when edges are set but centers remain slightly soft, as they'll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour for regular flour and use plant-based butter to make these cookies suitable for guests with dietary restrictions.

How to Keep Crinkle Cookies Fresh for Days

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain their soft, crinkly texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in a preheated 300F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and softness. Enjoy them as if they were fresh from the oven.

Beverages and Sweets That Match Crinkle Cookies

• Complement the rich, spicy gingerbread cookies with a steaming mug of chai latte or mulled wine, enhancing the warm winter flavor profile and creating a cozy sensory experience.
• Balance the cookie's bold spices by enjoying alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which softens the intense ginger notes and provides a cool contrast.
• Elevate the cookie's complexity by pairing with a sweet dessert wine like port or moscato, which highlights the molasses undertones and adds a luxurious touch to your holiday treat.
• Create a delightful flavor combination by serving the cookies with a side of almond butter or hazelnut spread, adding depth and richness to the already decadent gingerbread experience.

Cookie Variations with Gingerbread and Spice

• Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. Maintain the same spice profile and rolling technique for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Spiced Crinkle Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, replace egg with a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water), and use vegan powdered sugar for coating. Keep the rich molasses and warm spice combination.
• Low-Sugar Gingerbread Alternative: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sugar content, and incorporate additional ground ginger for enhanced flavor intensity. Maintain the classic crinkle texture and appearance.
• Dairy-Free Holiday Cookies: Swap butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil, ensuring the same creamy texture and rich gingerbread taste. Use non-dairy milk if any liquid adjustments are needed.

Why Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Are Holiday Favorites

• A quick and simple recipe that requires minimal baking skills, perfect for both novice and experienced home bakers looking to create festive treats without complicated techniques.
• Incredibly time-efficient with just 30 minutes of chilling and 10-12 minutes of baking, these cookies deliver maximum flavor in minimal preparation time, making them ideal for busy holiday schedules.
• Packed with warm, rich spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, these cookies capture the quintessential holiday essence, creating an aromatic and delicious dessert that instantly evokes cozy winter memories.
• Rolling dough in powdered sugar becomes a fun, interactive activity for children, allowing them to participate in baking while creating beautifully crackled cookies that look professionally made with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie that provides structure and texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become soft.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg: Classic gingerbread spices that create the warm, festive flavor profile.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with cookie caramelization.
• Molasses: Gives deep, rich flavor and contributes to the classic gingerbread taste.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the overall flavor.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates the signature crinkle effect and adds a sweet, delicate finish to the cookies.

Baking Instructions for Soft Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 2: Create Dry Magic

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground ginger
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Nutmeg

Set this spice-filled mixture aside.

Step 3: Blend Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Liquid Gold

Splash in molasses, crack an egg, and pour vanilla extract. Mix until everything hugs together perfectly.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry

Slowly introduce the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Don’t go crazy with mixing- gentle is the key!

Step 6: Chill Out

Cover the dough and park it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and keeps the cookies looking fabulous.

Step 7: Sugar Coating Adventure

Scoop out tiny dough balls and roll them in powdered sugar. Make sure they’re completely blanketed in white sweetness.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the sugar-coated balls on the baking sheet, giving them some breathing room. Slide into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for set edges and a soft center.

Step 9: Cool and Celebrate

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Pair with a steaming mug of holiday tea or rich hot chocolate for maximum joy!

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Festive winter magic sparkles through classic German Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, dusted with powdered sugar like delicate snow. Warm spices and rich molasses create irresistible holiday charm that will enchant anyone craving sweet seasonal comfort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spices and Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Fats and Sweeteners:

• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (60 ml) molasses
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Create a fragrant dry mixture by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
3. Transform butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar into a light, airy consistency by beating them together until fluffy and well-incorporated.
4. Enrich the dough by blending in robust molasses, a single egg, and aromatic vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring on low speed to maintain a delicate texture and prevent toughening.
6. Enhance cookie structure by chilling the dough for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and dough to firm up.
7. Form uniform cookie spheres by scooping dough and generously coating each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Arrange sugar-dusted dough balls on the prepared sheet, spacing them to allow room for spreading during baking.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges become crisp and centers remain tender, creating a delightful contrast in texture.
10. Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack, letting them settle and develop their signature crackled appearance.

Notes

• Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to intensify the spice flavors and improve cookie texture, helping the ingredients meld together perfectly.
• Dust cookies with extra powdered sugar just before serving to enhance the festive crinkle appearance and add a touch of sweetness.
• Use freshly ground spices for a more robust and vibrant gingerbread flavor that elevates the entire cookie experience.
• Substitute gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the rich, warm taste of traditional gingerbread cookies.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 139
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 56 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg