Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe

These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe are perfect for your festive cookie tray! With a soft and chewy texture, these cookies are bursting with the warm flavors of ginger, cloves, and cinnamon. Their classic crackled tops dusted with powdered sugar create a delightful snowy appearance. Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy December afternoons, this easy recipe is sure to impress. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also make a beautiful addition to any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices creates a rich and aromatic experience that captures the essence of the season.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible even for novice bakers.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make great gifts or treats to share during the holidays.
• Versatile Serving Options: They are suitable for any occasion—be it a Christmas party or a cozy night in.
• Stunning Presentation: The crackled tops and powdered sugar coating give them an elegant look that will wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your tools for a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating these delightful cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Saves time and effort when beating ingredients until fluffy.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy base for cookies while baking.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (60ml) molasses
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Coating

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, for coating

How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar using a hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 to 3 minutes). Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract; mix until well blended. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Shape and Roll

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough using a cookie scoop. Quickly roll each portion into a ball before rolling it generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they have spread and formed deep cracks on top. The edges should be firm while keeping soft centers. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe

These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are delightful on their own, but serving them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fun ways to serve these festive treats.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic treat. The creamy texture complements the spiced flavors perfectly.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful dessert platter alongside other holiday sweets. This presentation adds charm to any festive gathering.

With Hot Chocolate

• Serve these cookies with a steaming cup of hot chocolate for a cozy winter combination. The richness of the chocolate pairs wonderfully with the gingerbread flavor.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in festive packaging as party favors for guests. This personal touch makes your gathering memorable.

Alongside Fresh Fruit

• Offer slices of fresh orange or pear as a refreshing contrast. The fruity notes balance the spiciness of the cookies nicely.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Perfecting your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is all about attention to detail and following best practices in baking. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve cookie perfection.

• Chill the Dough: Always refrigerate your dough for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps create those signature cracks when baking.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality spices and molasses. Fresh ingredients enhance flavor and aroma.

• Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.

• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour. Accurate ratios lead to consistent results.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Take them out when edges are firm but centers are still soft for that chewy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you’re planning a festive spread, consider pairing these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies with complementary side dishes that enhance their deliciousness. Here are some excellent options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a cool contrast to warm gingerbread flavors.

2. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be dolloped on top of each cookie for added richness.

3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides brightness and balances the spiced sweetness of the cookies.

4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda to add savory notes that pair well with sweet cookies.

5. Spiced Tea: Serve ginger or chai tea alongside your cookies for a warming beverage option that complements their flavor profile.

6. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melted chocolate served as a dipping sauce creates an indulgent experience with each bite.

7. Candied Nuts: Sweet and crunchy candied nuts make for an excellent crunchy companion, adding variety to your dessert table.

8. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the cookies or serve it on the side for an extra sweet touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking gingerbread crinkle cookies can be fun, but avoiding common mistakes is crucial for success. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Bold ingredient measurements: Using incorrect measurements can change the texture and flavor of your cookies. Always measure ingredients accurately, using kitchen scales when possible.
• Bold skipping the chill time: Not chilling the dough can result in flat cookies without the desired crinkle effect. Allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Bold not using enough powdered sugar: Insufficient powdered sugar coating will lead to less pronounced cracks. Ensure each cookie ball is generously rolled in powdered sugar before baking.
• Bold overbaking the cookies: Baking too long can dry out your cookies. Keep an eye on them and pull them out when they have firm edges but soft centers.
• Bold neglecting oven temperature: Incorrect oven temperature can ruin your bake. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurate, as each oven can vary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store gingerbread crinkle cookies in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Freezing Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm cookies in a pan over low heat for a few minutes until they soften.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making gingerbread crinkle cookies:

What makes gingerbread crinkle cookies different?

Gingerbread crinkle cookies feature a unique crackled top due to the powdered sugar coating, creating a snowy appearance while keeping them soft and chewy inside.

Can I use different spices in this Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe?

Yes! You can experiment with spices like cardamom or allspice according to your taste preferences while sticking with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves as base flavors.

How do I know when my gingerbread crinkle cookies are done?

The edges should be firm and set, while the centers remain soft. Look for deep cracks on the surface as an indicator of doneness.

Can I adjust the sweetness of this Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly or increase it based on your preference, but keep in mind it may affect texture.

Final Thoughts

These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are perfect for any festive occasion. Their delightful crackled tops and rich flavors make them a true holiday favorite. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for an extra twist. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the cozy warmth of freshly baked gingerbread!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any holiday gathering. With their soft and chewy texture, these cookies are infused with aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, making every bite a flavorful experience. Their signature crackled tops dusted with powdered sugar create a charming snowy appearance, perfect for cookie exchanges or cozy winter afternoons. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup fruit juice or substitution for molasses
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for coating

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg, fruit juice, and vanilla; mix well. Gradually combine dry ingredients.
2. Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions, roll into balls, and coat in powdered sugar.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain soft.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg