Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: 10 Steps to Holiday Bliss

oktober 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh, let me tell you about gingerbread crinkle cookies! These delightful treats are like a warm hug during the holiday season, with their soft, chewy texture and that irresistible rich ginger flavor that just screams festive cheer. I mean, there’s something magical about the combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves that makes the kitchen smell like a cozy winter wonderland. I love baking these cookies every year, and the best part? Watching them puff up and then crackle into those adorable little crinkles as they bake! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on that sweet, slightly spiced goodness. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or just indulging in all by yourself while sipping on some hot cocoa. So, let’s dive into how to make these gingerbread crinkle cookies and fill your home with that delightful aroma!

gingerbread crinkle cookies - detail 1

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar for coating

How to Prepare Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get that oven nice and toasty while you prepare the dough!
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt. This step is super important because it makes sure all those lovely spices are evenly distributed throughout your cookies.
In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’ll want to beat it for about 2-3 minutes—this is where the magic happens!
Now, add the molasses, large egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. It’ll start to smell like the holidays at this point!
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix—just until there are no more flour streaks. This will keep your cookies nice and soft.
Once your dough is ready, cover it with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, so don’t skip this step!
After the dough has chilled, scoop out portions and roll them into balls. You want them to be about 1 inch in diameter. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar until they’re completely coated. This gives those beautiful crinkles and a sweet finish!
Now, place the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They’ll spread a bit, so give them room to breathe!
Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, watching closely. The edges should be set while the centers remain soft. Ooh, the smell will be heavenly!
Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This little cooling time helps them firm up just right.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They’re incredibly easy to make—perfect for bakers of all levels!
The combination of warm spices fills your kitchen with that cozy holiday aroma.
Each bite is a delightful mix of soft, chewy texture and a sweet powdered sugar finish.
These cookies not only taste amazing but also look festive with their adorable crinkles.
They’re a great treat to share at holiday gatherings or to give as homemade gifts.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip these up in no time!
They freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them long after the holidays are over.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your gingerbread crinkle cookies come out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to guarantee that soft, chewy texture and those beautiful crinkles that everyone will love:

Use Fresh Spices: The flavor of your cookies really depends on the freshness of your spices. If your ginger or cinnamon has been sitting in the pantry for ages, it’s time to restock! Fresh spices make a world of difference.
Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your ingredients carefully. For flour, use the spoon and level method to avoid packing it down. This helps keep your cookies from being too dense!
Chill the Dough: Don’t rush the chilling process! Leaving the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps control the spread and keeps those gorgeous crinkles in place. If you have time, chilling it longer is even better!
Check the Oven Temperature: Ovens can often be off by a few degrees. I recommend using an oven thermometer to ensure your cookies bake evenly. You want that perfect balance of soft centers and set edges!
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They’re ready when the edges look set and the centers are still soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so take them out just a bit before you think they’re done.
Let Them Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This short wait helps them maintain that chewy texture and prevents them from breaking apart.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to baking the best gingerbread crinkle cookies ever. Happy baking!

Variations

If you’re feeling a little adventurous or just want to mix things up, here are some fun variations for your gingerbread crinkle cookies! Trust me, experimenting is half the fun and can lead to some delicious surprises!

Spice it Up: Swap out the ground ginger for fresh grated ginger for a brighter, more intense flavor. You can also try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of warmth.
Chocolate Lovers: For a chocolaty twist, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough. The chocolate pairs perfectly with the spices and adds a delightful richness!
Maple Magic: Substitute the molasses with pure maple syrup for a different yet equally delicious flavor profile. It gives the cookies a subtle sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch and an added depth of flavor. They’ll add a nice texture to those chewy cookies!
Fruity Twist: Add a handful of dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a sweet and tangy contrast to the spiced dough. It’s a great way to brighten up the flavors!
Glazed Gingerbread: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for a festive touch. It adds a beautiful finish and a touch of sweetness!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create gingerbread crinkle cookies that are uniquely yours! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear what delicious combinations you come up with. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Let’s talk about how to keep those delicious gingerbread crinkle cookies fresh and tasty! Proper storage is key to enjoying them for days to come. Here’s what I do:

Storing: Once your cookies have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for about a week at room temperature, but I bet they won’t last that long!
Freezing: If you want to save some for later (or just can’t resist making a double batch!), these cookies freeze beautifully. Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

If you want to enjoy them warm, here’s how to reheat:

Reheating: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes. This will warm them up nicely while keeping that chewy texture. Just be careful not to overbake them during this step!

With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll always have a batch of gingerbread crinkle cookies ready to enjoy whenever the craving hits. Happy snacking!

Nutritional Information

Curious about what’s in these delightful gingerbread crinkle cookies? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one cookie, perfect for keeping track of your indulgences:

Calories: 150
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, it’s all about enjoying these festive treats in moderation, right? Happy baking and munching!

FAQ Section

What makes gingerbread crinkle cookies different from regular gingerbread cookies?
Great question! Gingerbread crinkle cookies have that signature chewy texture and a lovely powdered sugar coating, which gives them a unique look and taste compared to traditional gingerbread cookies. The crinkles form as they bake, creating a delightful contrast to the soft interior.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just remember to roll the dough into balls and coat them in powdered sugar right before baking for the best results.

Can I use a different type of sugar?
While I recommend using packed brown sugar for its moisture and flavor, you can substitute it with granulated sugar if needed. Just keep in mind that the texture and sweetness may vary slightly!

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges to be set and slightly cracked while the centers remain soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s better to take them out a little earlier than later to keep that chewy goodness!

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the structure of regular flour. Your cookies should still turn out delicious!

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Once cooled, place your gingerbread crinkle cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for about a week at room temperature, but I doubt they’ll last that long!

Can I add more spices to these cookies?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with extra spices like nutmeg or allspice for a personalized flavor. Just remember that a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

Do these cookies freeze well?
Yes, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature!

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Over mij

Hoi, mijn naam is Julia. Ik ben het hart van Vihaad Recipes en een gepassioneerde liefhebber van lekker eten. Mijn liefde voor koken begon al in mijn kindertijd, geïnspireerd door de heerlijke maaltijden van mijn grootmoeder. Vandaag de dag deel ik smakelijke recepten die mensen samenbrengen door het gedeelde plezier van eten.