If you are searching for a cozy, flavorful treat that truly captures the spirit of the holidays and fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas, look no further than this Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These charming cookies boast a perfect blend of aromatic spices and molasses, creating a tender, chewy bite wrapped in a snowy coat of powdered sugar. With their signature crackled tops, they are as delightful to the eyes as they are to the taste buds, and they make any gathering feel instantly festive and heartwarming.

The image shows six round cookies on a white plate with a light brown flower pattern around the edge. Each cookie has a cracked surface covered with white powdered sugar, showing a brown dough beneath in the cracks. The cookies are loosely arranged in two rows of three, with soft shadows adding depth. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with soft natural light coming from the side, giving a warm and cozy feeling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe calls for simple, classic ingredients that come together beautifully to create those iconic spicy-sweet flavors and irresistible textures. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the dough’s structure, adding spice complexity, or lending that perfect sweetness and moisture.

All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups/270g): The foundation that creates the tender structure and soft crumb of the cookies.
Ground ginger (2 teaspoons): Provides the signature warm, spicy kick that defines gingerbread flavors.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, woody aroma that complements the ginger beautifully.
Ground cloves (½ teaspoon): Introduces a subtle depth and warmth, enhancing the spice profile.
Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Offers a slightly nutty, fragrant note that balances the spices.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly and creates those lovely cracks on top.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Amplifies all the flavors and prevents the sweetness from overwhelming.
Unsalted butter, softened (¾ cup/170g): Adds richness and moisture for tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Brown sugar, packed (1 cup/200g): Brings sweetness with a mild molasses undertone, making the cookies extra moist.
Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients while contributing to a chewy texture.
Molasses (¼ cup/60ml): The star ingredient for that deep, complex gingerbread flavor and dark color.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the spices and adds a smooth, fragrant finish.
Powdered sugar (½ cup/60g): For coating each cookie, creating the classic snowy crinkle effect when baked.

How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by whisking together your dry ingredients: flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly combined. Meanwhile, in a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar with a mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes—this step is key for that tender texture. Add in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until smooth. Now, gradually mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture just until everything comes together, being careful not to overmix. Cover the dough tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least two hours or even overnight. This chilling step is essential; it lets the flavors meld and ensures those beautiful deep cracks will develop during baking.

Step 2: Shape and Roll

Once your dough is thoroughly chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or a silicone mat—this makes clean-up a breeze and helps prevent sticking. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, then quickly roll each portion into a ball. Since the dough will be a little sticky, working swiftly helps keep things manageable. After shaping, generously roll each dough ball in powdered sugar, ensuring they are fully coated. This generous coating is what creates the iconic crinkle pattern as the cookies bake and expand.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place your deliciously coated dough balls about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets so they have space to spread freely. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes—watch closely for the cookie tops to spread and crack deeply while the edges set firmly but the middle remains soft and tender. For best flavor and texture, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Watching the transformation from dough ball to crackled masterpiece is one of the best parts of this Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe.

How to Serve Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To enhance these gingerbread crinkle cookies even further, consider dusting them lightly with additional powdered sugar just before serving for a magical snow-dusted look. You can also add a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of festive colored sugar to add flair and sweetness without overpowering the lovely ginger-spiced flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea, hot cocoa, or a rich coffee — perfect for cozying up on a chilly afternoon. You could also serve them alongside a scoop of cinnamon ice cream or creamy vanilla bean gelato for a decadent holiday treat that’ll impress all your guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or entertaining, stack these gingerbread crinkle cookies in a clear glass jar wrapped with a festive ribbon, or arrange them on a beautiful holiday platter accented with fresh evergreen sprigs and cranberries. They also make wonderful edible ornaments or party favors—simply tie each cookie with a little twine and a small tag featuring this Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe’s name for a charming personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your bake day excitement, you’ll be glad to know that these cookies store wonderfully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay moist and flavorful for about a week. Just avoid stacking too many layers without parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze baked gingerbread crinkle cookies to enjoy later. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer them into a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They keep beautifully frozen for up to three months without losing that wonderful texture.

Reheating

If you want that freshly baked warmth, reheat the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives the soft centers and refreshes the delightful aroma. Microwaving is not recommended as it may make the cookies tough or overly chewy.

FAQs

Can I use dark molasses instead of regular molasses?

Yes! Dark molasses will give your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe a richer, more intense flavor and a deeper color. Just keep in mind that it can be a bit stronger, so if you prefer a milder taste, use regular molasses.

Why do I need to chill the dough? Can I skip this step?

Chilling the dough is crucial for developing the distinctive crackled tops and for the spices to fully meld and deepen in flavor. Skipping this step can result in cookies that spread too much and don’t have the same texture or visual appeal.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different, but these cookies will still have that awesome gingerbread taste.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for cookies that have spread nicely with deep cracks on the top. The edges should be firm while the centers remain soft to the touch but not doughy. Overbaking can make them dry, so it’s best to watch them closely starting at 10 minutes.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe?

Yes! Chop some toasted walnuts or pecans to stir into the dough for added crunch, or mix in mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Just be careful not to add too much or it may affect how the cookies spread while baking.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe is truly a season’s favorite that brings joy, warmth, and delicious moments to your kitchen. From their heavenly scent to their tender, spicy bite, these cookies are a must-bake for every gingerbread lover. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe all year long—so go ahead and bake a batch, share with loved ones, and savor every crackled, delightful bite!

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe