Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Okay, so I baked these cookies last Christmas. And honestly, they looked like little snowballs. Everyone kept asking me for the recipe, like, over and over.

Here’s what makes them special. They’re soft and chewy inside. But then they have this pretty white sugar coating. It cracks when they bake and looks so cool.

The ginger and cinnamon smell? Um, it fills your whole house. They taste like the holidays, you know? And they’re kind of fancy looking. But really, they’re not hard to make at all.

So yeah, let’s make these together. You’re gonna love how easy this is. And well, get ready for everyone to ask YOU for the recipe too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: “These gingerbread cookies are to die for!”— I get messages all the time from readers who love these gingerbread crinkle cookies for their bold, spiced flavor and soft, chewy texture.
• Perfectly Spiced: The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves will fill your kitchen with all the wonderful aromas of the holidays.
• Crinkly Top and Soft Inside: The magic of these cookies lies in their crinkled appearance. The exterior is lightly crisp and sugary, while the inside remains soft and chewy—just the way gingerbread should be.
• Fun for the Whole Family: Kids and adults alike will love the process of rolling the dough in sugar before baking and seeing those beautiful cracks form as they bake.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance, chill it, and bake fresh cookies whenever you’re ready to enjoy them.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Electric Mixer (Optional): A hand or stand mixer will make mixing the butter and sugar a breeze.
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon: To portion the dough.
• Baking Sheets: Lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
• Cooling Rack: To let the cookies cool evenly and prevent them from getting soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredients.

Ingredients

These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are made with simple ingredients, but it’s the combination of these ingredients that makes them so special. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (375g) – This is the base of the dough. Make sure to measure your flour properly (scooping and leveling is the best method).
• Dark Brown Sugar: ¾ cup (150g), packed – For sweetness and a rich molasses flavor that complements the spices.
• Baking Soda: ¾ teaspoon – This will help the cookies spread and create that signature crinkle effect.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon – A warm, sweet spice that’s the essence of gingerbread flavor.
• Ground Ginger: 1 tablespoon – The key spice in gingerbread, giving the cookies their distinctive, zesty kick.
• Ground Cloves: ½ teaspoon – Adds depth and warmth to the cookies.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: 12 tablespoons (170g or 1 ½ sticks), softened – Creates the soft, tender texture in the cookie dough.
• Unsulphured Molasses: ¾ cup (180 ml) – This is what gives gingerbread cookies their rich flavor and dark color.
• Milk: 2 tablespoons – Adds a touch of moisture to the dough, helping it come together.
• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100g) – For rolling the dough before baking, creating a sugary crust that enhances the crinkle effect.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: ½ cup (60g) – Adds a touch of sweetness to the exterior of the cookie, giving it a crackly appearance when baked.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick, and set them aside.

2. Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Whisking the dry ingredients first ensures they’re evenly distributed, which is key to getting consistent flavor and texture in your cookies.

3. Cream the Butter and Brown Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a stand mixer for this step. It should take about 2-3 minutes. The butter and sugar should look pale and creamy.

4. Add Molasses, Milk, and Vanilla

Next, add the molasses, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well incorporated. The molasses is what gives gingerbread its signature flavor, so don’t skip it!

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring slowly to avoid flour spilling out. Once all the flour mixture is added, stir until just combined. Don’t over-mix, or the cookies may turn out dense.

6. Roll the Dough into Balls

Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into balls about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar first, followed by a quick roll in powdered sugar. This creates the crinkly effect on top when the cookies bake.

7. Place Dough Balls on the Baking Sheets

Place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This ensures the cookies have enough space to spread out and form their iconic crinkled tops.

8. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should have lightly golden edges, and the centers may appear soft. Don’t worry—these cookies will firm up as they cool.

9. Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they set without breaking apart.

Variations for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

While the traditional gingerbread crinkle cookie is beloved in its pure form, here are a few variations to try if you’re looking for something different:

Add White Chocolate Chips

Incorporating white chocolate chips into the dough gives a sweet contrast to the bold spices in the cookie. This creates a lovely balance between the sweet and spicy flavors.

Use a Mix of Sugars

You can mix up the sugars in the rolling process—combine granulated sugar with cinnamon or even brown sugar for a different flavor on the exterior.

Add a Touch of Orange Zest

If you’re looking for a citrusy twist on these gingerbread crinkle cookies, try adding orange zest to the dough. The citrusy notes pair wonderfully with the warm spices.

Incorporate Crystallized Ginger

For an extra punch of ginger flavor, fold in finely chopped crystallized ginger. This adds a chewy texture and an extra zing.

Storing Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Store in an Airtight Container: Once the cookies are completely cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing the Dough: If you want to prepare the dough ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply take them out of the freezer and bake for an extra minute or two.

Freezing Baked Cookies: You can also freeze the baked cookies. Once they’re fully cooled, stack them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximately 30g)
Servings Per Container: 24

Amount Per Serving

Calories 120
Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 5g — 8%

• Saturated Fat 3g — 15%
• Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 20mg — 7%

Sodium 95mg — 4%

Total Carbohydrate 18g — 6%

• Dietary Fiber 0g — 0%
• Sugars 10g
• Added Sugars 9g — 18%

Protein 1g — 2%

Vitamin D 0mcg — 0%
Calcium 15mg — 1%
Iron 0.7mg — 4%
Potassium 45mg — 1%

Conclusion

Gingerbread crinkle cookies are the perfect holiday dessert—spicy, sweet, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, gifting them to friends, or simply enjoying them with a hot beverage, these cookies will undoubtedly bring joy to any occasion. The best part? They’re super easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and fill your home with the best smells imaginable.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bake a batch of gingerbread crinkle cookies today. They’re sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home!

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and freeze it for later. Once frozen, simply roll into balls, coat in sugar, and bake when you’re ready.

Why do my gingerbread cookies spread too much?

If your dough is too warm when you bake the cookies, they might spread too much. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and baking to prevent excess spreading.

Can I make the dough without an electric mixer?

Yes! While an electric mixer makes things easier, you can mix the dough by hand with a whisk and spatula. Just make sure to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy before adding the rest of the ingredients.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes! You can experiment with other sugars like light brown sugar or even coconut sugar, but dark brown sugar creates the best texture and flavor for these cookies.