Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a festive twist on the classic holiday treat, combining the warm spices of traditional gingerbread with the soft, chewy texture of a crinkle cookie.
Flavored with molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, these cookies boast rich, cozy aromas that instantly evoke the holiday spirit.
As they bake, their crackled tops form beautifully against a coating of powdered sugar, giving them their signature crinkle appearance.
Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday platters, or cozy evenings with hot cocoa, these cookies are both visually charming and irresistibly delicious — a must-have addition to any winter baking lineup.
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a holiday favorite that combine the warm spices of traditional gingerbread with the soft, chewy texture of a crinkle cookie.
Rolled in powdered sugar before baking, these cookies develop beautiful crackles on top as they spread in the oven, revealing their rich molasses color beneath a snowy white crust. Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, winter gatherings, or cozy tea-time treats, these cookies are as festive as they are flavorful.
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Description
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are festive, spiced treats perfect for the holiday season.
Made with molasses, brown sugar, and warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies boast a deep, rich flavor.
The dough is rolled in powdered sugar before baking, creating beautiful crinkles as they spread and crack in the oven.
Their soft, chewy center contrasts delightfully with the slightly crisp exterior.
These cookies are not only visually stunning but also full of nostalgic flavor, making them a favorite for cookie exchanges, gift boxes, and holiday dessert tables. A must-bake for cozy winter moments and Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
For Rolling:
Instructions
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Prep the Dough
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In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
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Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
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Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours (or overnight). Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and enhances the flavors.
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Preheat & Prep
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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In two shallow bowls, place the granulated sugar in one and the powdered sugar in the other for rolling.
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Shape & Roll
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Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls using your hands.
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Roll each dough ball first in granulated sugar (helps the powdered sugar stick better), then in powdered sugar. Make sure they’re fully coated.
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Bake
Place the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops are crinkled. The centers may look slightly soft — that’s perfect for a chewy texture.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 130kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 20mg7%
- Sodium 90mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a festive favorite that combine the cozy warmth of traditional gingerbread spices with the soft, chewy texture of a crinkle cookie.
These cookies are rolled in powdered sugar before baking, which creates their signature cracked appearance as they spread in the oven.
If you're looking to make the most irresistible batch of these holiday gems, the following tips and tricks will help you nail them every time—and serve them like a pro.
Baking Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
1. Chill the Dough
Gingerbread cookie dough tends to be soft due to the molasses and butter. Chilling the dough for at least 1–2 hours, or overnight, helps firm it up, making it easier to roll into balls and less likely to overspread. Cold dough also produces better crinkles and enhances the flavor.
2. Use Fresh Spices
Spices are key to gingerbread flavor. Use fresh ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for the most vibrant aroma. Old, stale spices can result in a bland cookie.
3. Don't Skip the Molasses
Molasses is essential—it adds depth, chewiness, and that unmistakable gingerbread taste. Use unsulfured molasses for the best results. Blackstrap molasses is too bitter for most cookie recipes.
4. Double Roll in Sugar
For dramatic crinkles, roll the dough balls first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar. The granulated sugar helps prevent the powdered sugar from absorbing into the dough too quickly, preserving the snowy look.
5. Don’t Overbake
Gingerbread crinkle cookies are best when soft and chewy in the center. Bake for 9–11 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops have crackled. They’ll continue to firm up slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.
6. Uniform Size Matters
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure even-sized dough balls. This ensures they bake at the same rate and gives you consistent results.
7. Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Tricks for Maximum Flavor & Presentation
1. Add a Hint of Orange Zest
A small amount of orange zest in the dough complements the molasses and spices beautifully and adds a citrusy twist.
2. Drizzle or Dip in White Chocolate
For a fancier presentation, try drizzling white chocolate over the cooled cookies or half-dipping them for a sweet contrast and extra flair.
3. Add a Pinch of Black Pepper
A tiny bit of black pepper enhances the ginger flavor and adds a subtle kick—great for those who like bold spice.
4. Freeze Dough Balls for Later
Gingerbread crinkle cookie dough freezes well. Scoop and freeze individual dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen with 1–2 extra minutes in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
1. Holiday Cookie Platters
Add gingerbread crinkle cookies to a holiday cookie tray alongside sugar cookies, peppermint bark, and thumbprint cookies. Their crackled white coating makes them a visual standout.
2. With Hot Beverages
Serve with hot cocoa, spiced chai, mulled cider, or coffee for a cozy pairing. Their spice makes them ideal for winter beverages.
3. As Ice Cream Sandwiches
Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for a creative dessert twist.
4. Festive Gifting
Place cooled cookies in decorative tins, cellophane bags, or mason jars, tied with ribbon. Include a handwritten tag with the cookie name and date.
5. Crumbled Over Desserts
Use crumbled gingerbread crinkle cookies as a topping for yogurt, trifles, or holiday parfaits.
Tips for Success
- Use unsulphured molasses for the best taste. Avoid blackstrap molasses as it's too bitter for cookies.
- Chilling the dough is key for thick, chewy cookies with a strong spice flavor.
- Double rolling in sugar helps create more pronounced crinkles and a prettier presentation.
- Don’t overbake — the cookies should be soft in the center when removed from the oven. They will firm up as they cool.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months—just thaw slightly before rolling and baking.
Variations
- Add a twist by mixing in white chocolate chips, toffee bits, or chopped candied ginger for texture and sweetness.
- Make them spicier by increasing the amount of ginger or adding a pinch of black pepper.
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Vegan variation: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a hot cup of chai, coffee, or spiced cider.
- Include them in holiday cookie boxes or gift tins.
- Sandwich two cookies together with cream cheese frosting for a decadent holiday treat.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- The combination of molasses and warm spices gives these cookies a rich, nostalgic holiday flavor.
- Their soft, chewy center with crisp, crackly edges makes them irresistibly textured.
- The powdered sugar coating makes them visually stunning and perfect for festive occasions.
- They’re easy to make ahead and freeze well, both baked and unbaked.
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are more than just delicious—they’re a cozy, aromatic reminder of festive memories and holiday traditions. Whether for a Christmas cookie exchange or a snowy evening at home, these cookies are sure to warm hearts and homes.
Conclusion
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that bring together the nostalgic flavors of the holidays with an irresistible texture and eye-catching look. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll bake cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious—and impress everyone with your festive flair.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes gingerbread crinkle cookies different from regular gingerbread cookies?
Gingerbread crinkle cookies have a soft, chewy texture rather than the crisp snap of traditional gingerbread cutouts. They feature the same warm spices—like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves—but are rolled in powdered sugar before baking.
As they bake, the cookies spread and form crackled “crinkle” patterns on the surface, giving them their signature look and delightful texture.
Can I make gingerbread crinkle cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Gingerbread crinkle cookie dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough (pre-rolled into balls or as a whole batch) for up to 2 months.
If frozen, let the dough thaw slightly before rolling in powdered sugar and baking. Baked cookies stay fresh for about 4–5 days in an airtight container.
Why didn’t my cookies crinkle properly?
Several factors can affect crinkling. If the dough is too warm, the cookies may spread too quickly and not crack. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 1–2 hours before baking.
Also, a generous coating of powdered sugar helps create better contrast and more visible cracks. Lastly, using fresh baking soda or baking powder ensures proper rise and cracking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free or vegan?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. To make them vegan, replace butter with vegan margarine and eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg). The flavor and texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still deliver that classic spiced, crinkly charm.
