Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat

Jump to Recipe

Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect holiday indulgence. These chewy, spiced delights are coated in powdered sugar, giving them a festive, snow-dusted look. The rich flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves come together to create a nostalgic, cozy treat that’s perfect for cold winter afternoons. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a holiday party, or simply baking for yourself, these cookies will fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of the season.

Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies (1)

Why You’ll Love These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are incredibly easy to make, yet they bring a festive touch to any occasion. The combination of warm spices and a soft, chewy texture makes them an irresistible holiday favorite. With their crinkly, powdered sugar-coated exterior, they not only taste amazing but also look stunning on a holiday platter. The secret to their perfect texture lies in the careful balancing of spices, chilling the dough, and baking at just the right temperature.

Perfect for family gatherings or cookie exchanges, these gingerbread crinkle cookies are a timeless treat that captures the heart of the holiday season.

Ingredients for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

To make these cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture for the cookies.
Ground ginger: The star spice, giving the cookies their signature warm and slightly sharp flavor.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a sweet and aromatic note, complementing the ginger.
Ground cloves: Contributes to the spiced complexity.
Ground nutmeg: A hint of nutmeg adds depth to the flavor profile.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the spices.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
Brown sugar: Creates a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
Molasses: The key ingredient for gingerbread cookies, giving them their signature richness and chewiness.

Vanilla extract: Provides a subtle aromatic sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Coats the cookies for that classic crinkle effect.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you have dietary restrictions or need ingredient substitutions, here are some alternatives:

Butter: Can be replaced with coconut oil or dairy-free butter for a vegan version.

Molasses: If molasses is unavailable, dark corn syrup or honey can provide a similar sweetness.
Flour: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar can be used for a more natural, less processed option.

Step-by-Step Instructions Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This step is essential for creating the signature crinkle effect.
Shape and roll the dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar, ensuring they are fully coated.

Bake to perfection: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and formed deep cracks on top. The edges should be firm, and the centers slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Chill the dough properly: Don’t rush this step. Chilling the dough ensures the cookies hold their shape and develop those signature crinkles. If the dough is too warm, it will spread too much while baking.
Use fresh spices: Fresh ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves will intensify the flavors. If your spices have been sitting on the shelf for a while, replace them for the best results.

Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies. The goal is a soft, chewy center with a crisp edge. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges firm up to avoid a dry texture.
Powdered sugar coating: Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar. The thicker the coating, the better the crinkle effect will be.

Pairing Ideas and Variations Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

These gingerbread crinkle cookies are delightful on their own, but here are a few ways to make them even more special:

Pair with a warm drink: Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of spiced apple cider, hot chocolate, or even a rich cup of coffee.
Ice cream sandwich: For an indulgent treat, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two gingerbread crinkle cookies for a festive ice cream sandwich.
Make-ahead tips: These cookies can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can enjoy them throughout the season.

Health Benefits of Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

While these cookies are a holiday treat, they do have some health benefits! The warming spices—ginger, cinnamon, and cloves—are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion. The molasses used in the recipe is rich in iron, which is essential for energy production. So, while these cookies may not be considered a “health food,” they do offer a little nutritional boost while satisfying your sweet tooth!

Conclusion

Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a must-bake this holiday season. With their perfect balance of spices, chewy texture, and festive appearance, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday party or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Don’t forget to share them with friends and family—they’ll make every moment sweeter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I get the perfect crinkle effect on Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?

To achieve the perfect crinkle, make sure the dough is chilled for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. The colder the dough, the better the cracks will form when baking. Additionally, coat the dough balls generously in powdered sugar to enhance the crinkle effect during baking.

Can I freeze Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze wonderfully! After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bags. They will keep for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I use a different type of sugar for the coating?

While powdered sugar is the traditional coating for gingerbread crinkle cookies, you could experiment with other sweeteners, like granulated sugar, for a slightly different texture. However, powdered sugar gives the best result for the classic crinkle effect.

More Relevant Recipes

Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Anna
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a perfect holiday treat with a chewy, spiced center and a snowy powdered sugar coating. These cookies are infused with the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, making them the ideal festive dessert for any occasion. Whether shared with family or given as a gift, they offer both flavor and charm, making them a true holiday classic.

Ingredients

Scale

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
½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, for coating

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Shape and roll the dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Bake to perfection: Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and formed deep cracks on top. The edges should be firm, and the centers should remain slightly soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chill the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best crinkle effect.
Use fresh ground spices for the best flavor.
Don’t overbake; remove the cookies when the edges are firm but the centers remain soft.
For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American