Name: Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups plain flour (all-purpose flour) (325g / 11 ½oz); 1 tablespoon ground ginger (4 tsp); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup brown sugar (200g / 7oz); ⅓ cup molasses or treacle (80ml); 115 g unsalted butter, melted (4oz / 1 stick / ½ cup); 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 egg yolk, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar) (130g / 4 ½ oz)

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If you’re craving a cozy holiday treat that fills your kitchen with the warm, spicy aroma of ginger and molasses, then this Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe is just the thing to make your season bright. These soft, chewy cookies with their delightfully crackled powdered sugar coating are easy to prepare but feel utterly special — perfect for sharing with friends, family, or savoring yourself by the fireside. You’ll love how the blend of aromatic spices and sweet molasses creates a nostalgic flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a baking tray lined with parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface, holding various baking ingredients in separate white bowls and clear glass containers. There are two brown eggs on the tray near a small glass container filled with dark syrup. A large white bowl contains white flour with a small glass bowl of golden liquid on top. Below that, a large glass bowl is filled with white powdered sugar, while next to it two small glass bowls contain white baking soda and another white powder. A medium-sized glass bowl is filled with dark brown sugar. On a small white dish, there are three piles of ground spices with colors ranging from light beige to dark brown. At the bottom right corner of the tray, a block of pale yellow butter rests on parchment. The whole setup is neat, brightly lit, and ready for baking photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, contributing to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that classic crinkled look that makes these cookies so charming.

Plain flour (all-purpose flour): Forms the base of the dough, giving the cookies structure and softness.
Ground ginger: The star spice bringing that unmistakable warm and spicy gingerbread flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Adds sweetness and complexity to the spice blend.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and develop their signature soft texture.
Ground cloves: Provides depth and a slightly smoky undertone to the spice mix.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory notes in the dough.
Brown sugar: Delivers moistness and rich caramel undertones for that chewy bite.
Molasses or treacle: Gives the cookies their deep color and that classic robust molasses flavor.
Unsalted butter: Melted for easy mixing and to ensure a tender crumb.
Large egg and egg yolk: Add richness and help bind the dough together perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spices with a sweet, aromatic warmth.
Icing sugar (powdered sugar): Coats the dough balls for that charming crinkled surface once baked.

How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients

Start by whisking together the plain flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, ground cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving each cookie consistent flavor and texture.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or simply in a large mixing bowl, blend the brown sugar, molasses, melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated. This rich, sticky mixture forms the flavorful heart of your dough.

Step 3: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together into a thick cookie dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and soft when baked.

Step 4: Chill the dough

Pop the dough into the refrigerator for at least one hour, or ideally overnight. Chilling helps the flavors to meld and makes the dough easier to handle when shaping the cookies.

Step 5: Prepare to bake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C if using a fan) or 350°F, and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and keeps the baking sheets clean for effortless cookie removal and cleanup.

Step 6: Shape and coat the cookies

Roll the dough into balls roughly the size of two tablespoons each. Then generously roll each ball in the icing sugar, making sure they are thoroughly coated to create that iconic cracked powdered sugar crust during baking.

Step 7: Bake to perfection

Place the sugared cookie balls on the prepared sheets about two inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake one tray at a time for 10-12 minutes, until the tops are cracked and the cookies look just firm around the edges but remain soft in the center.

Step 8: Cool and enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and sets their chewy texture perfectly.

How to Serve Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round cookies with cracked white powdered sugar on top, revealing a soft dark brown inside. One cookie is broken in half, stacked to show the chewy texture inside with detailed dark and lighter brown layers. The cookies are placed on a white marbled surface with a cinnamon stick beside them. Small glowing warm yellow decorative lights add a cozy feel to the scene. A dark drink is seen in the background in a glass, slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a festive touch, dust the cooled cookies again with a light sprinkle of icing sugar or add a small dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Crystallized ginger pieces or a drizzle of white chocolate can also make delightful garnishes that enhance both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe with a hot cup of spiced chai tea, mulled wine, or rich hot chocolate to bring out the deep ginger and molasses flavors. They also go wonderfully with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Present these cookies stacked in a rustic basket lined with festive cloth for a charming gift or party treat. You could also thread them onto a ribbon as an edible holiday garland, or plate them alongside fresh seasonal fruit and nuts for a stunning festive centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them soft and chewy, perfectly ready to satisfy those sweet cravings later.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for busy days.

Reheating

To revive frozen or stored cookies, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-7 minutes. This refreshes their softness and intensifies their comforting spice aroma without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup?

Molasses provides a distinctive richness and depth that honey or maple syrup can’t quite replicate, but if you’re in a pinch, using maple syrup will offer a sweeter, lighter flavor while honey adds floral notes. Just keep in mind the texture and color might vary slightly.

Why do the cookies need to be chilled?

Chilling the dough firms it up, which makes rolling easier and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also allows the spices to meld, resulting in a more flavorful cookie.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder. This slight tweak lets you enjoy the Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe without compromise.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should have cracked tops with a lightly firmed edge but still be soft in the middle. They may look slightly underbaked but will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking tray.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans or even mini chocolate chips adds a lovely texture contrast and flavor burst to these gingerbread delights.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably heartwarming about baking this Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe and sharing the sweet, spicy results with loved ones. Whether you’re new to homemade cookies or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings festive magic to your kitchen with every batch. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma and joy of freshly baked gingerbread cookies!