Introduction

There’s something about gingerbread cookies that just screams holiday season, right? The warm aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses fills the air, making everything feel cozy and festive. But these gingerbread crinkle cookies? They’re a total game changer. Imagine the classic gingerbread flavor you love, with a soft, chewy center and a perfectly crinkled, sugar-coated exterior that melts in your mouth. Trust me, these cookies will quickly become your go-to holiday treat.

I first discovered gingerbread crinkle cookies during a holiday baking marathon with my family. We were trying to mix things up a bit, and someone mentioned gingerbread crinkle cookies. I was a little curious, but once I took a bite, I was hooked. The crispy outer layer gives way to a soft, flavorful interior that is unlike any gingerbread cookie I’ve had before. They were an instant hit at our family gatherings, and every year, we bake dozens of them to share with friends and neighbors.

These cookies are not only delicious, but they also have that perfect balance of sweetness and spice. If you’re looking for a holiday cookie that’s sure to impress, these gingerbread crinkle cookies are it. They’re fun to make, easy to whip up, and will fill your house with the most wonderful scent. Plus, they’re a great addition to your holiday cookie platter or as a homemade gift wrapped up in a cute little box. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So, why exactly will you fall head over heels for these gingerbread crinkle cookies? Let me count the ways:

Easy to Make: No complicated steps or fancy tools required. You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make these cookies a success. Plus, the dough doesn’t need to chill for hours—just a quick rest, and you’re good to go!
Chewy, Soft, and Delicious: The perfect combination of crisp on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Every bite will have you wishing for more. These cookies are the perfect texture that’ll make you want to reach for one (or two…or three).
The Perfect Balance of Spice: With cinnamon, ginger, and a touch of molasses, these cookies bring the right amount of spice and sweetness. Not too overpowering, just enough to make them comforting and cozy.
Crinkle Topping: The crinkle effect is not only fun to look at but adds a bit of texture to the cookie. Plus, it gives the cookies a “snowy” holiday look that’s perfect for the season.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re baking for your family, a holiday party, or as a gift, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. The warm, spiced flavor makes them a universal favorite!

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 1 hour (including prep and baking time)
Servings: This recipe makes about 24-30 cookies, depending on the size.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie):

Calories: 130
Protein: 1g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 6g
Sugar: 9g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these gingerbread crinkle cookies:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookie dough, giving the cookies structure.
2 tsp ground ginger: The star spice of gingerbread cookies. It adds that signature warm, zesty flavor.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice that balances the ginger.
1/2 tsp ground cloves: A little goes a long way, bringing depth to the flavor.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies spread and rise just enough while baking.
1/2 tsp salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in the cookie.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: For richness and to give the cookies their chewy texture.
1/2 cup dark brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar helps create the deep flavor and gives the cookies that perfect chewy texture.
1/4 cup molasses: The signature ingredient that gives gingerbread its distinct flavor and depth.
1 large egg: To bind everything together.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor that balances the spices.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: For rolling the dough balls to create that crinkle effect when baked.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the process of making these gingerbread crinkle cookies step by step. Don’t worry—this is a super simple recipe that even a beginner can nail, and I’ll walk you through it.

Preheat Your Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed and prevents any lumps. Set this mixture aside for now.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important because it incorporates air into the dough, making the cookies light and chewy.
Add Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla
Now, add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is fully combined and smooth. The molasses gives the cookies their rich, spiced flavor, so don’t skip this ingredient!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, but that’s exactly what you want! If it’s too sticky to handle, you can add a little extra flour—just a tablespoon at a time—until it’s manageable.
Shape the Dough into Balls
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball using your hands. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—slightly irregular balls are part of the charm of homemade cookies!
Roll in Sugar
Place the granulated sugar in a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in the sugar until it’s fully coated. The sugar gives the cookies that beautiful, crackly exterior once they bake.
Bake the Cookies
Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops have cracked. You’ll know they’re done when they look slightly firm but still soft in the center. Don’t overbake them—this will make them less chewy.
Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This gives them a chance to firm up a bit without losing their soft, chewy center.

How to Serve

Now that your gingerbread crinkle cookies are baked, let’s talk about how to serve them up:

Classic with a Cup of Hot Cocoa: These cookies are absolutely perfect with a mug of your favorite hot cocoa or a warm spiced tea.
Cookie Plate: Add them to your holiday cookie plate alongside other festive treats like sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, or thumbprint cookies.
Gift-Worthy: Wrap them in cellophane with a pretty ribbon and give them as a thoughtful, homemade gift during the holidays.
Store in a Tin: For the perfect gift presentation, store these cookies in a cute tin to keep them fresh and ready to share with family and friends.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your gingerbread crinkle cookies turn out perfectly:

Don’t Overmix the Dough: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that!
Chill the Dough if Needed: If your dough feels too soft or sticky to roll into balls, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm it up. This step is optional but can help make the process easier.
Use Dark Molasses: Dark molasses gives the cookies their deep flavor and color. You can use light molasses if that’s what you have on hand, but dark molasses really takes these cookies to the next level.
Don’t Skip the Sugar Coating: Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking not only gives them that beautiful crinkle effect but also enhances the flavor, making the cookies extra delicious.
Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is different, so make sure to check your cookies around the 10-minute mark. If you like them extra chewy, pull them out a bit earlier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make these gingerbread crinkle cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can! These cookies actually get better with time as the flavors continue to meld. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

2. Can I substitute light molasses for dark molasses?

Yes, you can substitute light molasses for dark molasses if that’s what you have available. However, dark molasses provides a richer flavor and deeper color, so the cookies may be slightly less flavorful and lighter in color if you use light molasses. If you prefer a milder molasses taste, light molasses is a great option!

3. Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

While this recipe is written for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with other types of flour if needed. If you prefer a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, and you may need to adjust the flour measurements depending on the type of gluten-free flour you use.

Conclusion

There you have it—the perfect recipe for gingerbread crinkle cookies! These cookies have everything you could want in a holiday treat: a soft, chewy center, a crinkly exterior, and that irresistible gingerbread flavor. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, as a gift, or simply to enjoy with your family on a cozy winter afternoon, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking rotation.

The combination of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates a deliciously spiced cookie that’s a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. And that crinkled sugar coating? It’s what gives these cookies their signature look and a delightful crunch.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get baking! I promise you, these gingerbread crinkle cookies will be the highlight of your holiday season. Happy baking, and enjoy every warm, spiced bite!

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies