Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are one of my favorite holiday treats, perfectly soft and chewy with the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. These cookies are rolled in powdered sugar before baking, creating a stunning crinkle effect that adds to their appeal. They are a festive delight, often associated with Christmas and holiday gatherings, ensuring that every bite is a reminder of cozy winter evenings spent with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are not just delicious; they are also incredibly easy to make! With a simple easy gingerbread crinkle cookie recipe, you can whip up a batch in no time. Here are a few reasons why you will adore them:
- They are soft and chewy, making them irresistible.
- The spiced flavor profile of ginger and cinnamon warms the heart.
- They are perfect for holiday gatherings and make great gifts.
- You can customize them with icing or even add chocolate chips for a twist.
- These cookies are excellent for sharing and spreading holiday cheer.
- With a gluten-free or vegan option, everyone can enjoy them!
As a bonus, they fit perfectly into the Dessert category, making them a must-have for any holiday table.
Ingredients for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Gather these items:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Beat in egg, molasses, and vanilla until smooth.
- Step 5: Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Step 6: Roll dough into 1–1.5 tbsp balls and coat generously in powdered sugar.
- Step 7: Place on baking sheets 2 inches apart and bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Step 8: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For a spicier flavor, increase the amount of ginger or cinnamon.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies maintain their shape.
Best Ways to Serve Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways:
- Pair them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Serve them on a dessert platter alongside other holiday goodies.
- For a festive touch, drizzle them with icing or sprinkle with colored sugar.
How to Store and Reheat Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you wish to reheat them, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked taste. This makes them a great option for meal prep during the busy holiday season!
Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
The secret lies in using fresh spices and ensuring not to overbake them. The centers should remain soft for that chewy texture we love in chewy gingerbread crinkle cookies.
Can I make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready, just roll and bake!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
Common mistakes include overmixing the dough and not measuring ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure perfect results every time.
Variations of Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these fun variations:
- Vegan Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg.
- Gluten-Free Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture.
- Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies with Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
These variations ensure that everyone can enjoy these delightful cookies, regardless of dietary preferences!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Muffins or Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies.
For more tips on baking, you can refer to this Gingerbread Cookie Guide for expert advice.
Print
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: 7 Tips for Perfect Holiday Treats
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Rolled in powdered sugar before baking, they bake up with beautiful crinkled tops and are a festive holiday favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, molasses, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1–1.5 tbsp balls and coat generously in powdered sugar.
- Place on baking sheets 2 inches apart and bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For a spicier flavor, increase the amount of ginger or cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Christmas Treats