There’s something enchanting about the scent of gingerbread wafting through the kitchen, especially during the holiday season. It evokes memories of cozy evenings, twinkling lights, and the simple joys of baking with loved ones. These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies capture the essence of holiday cheer in every bite. Their tender texture, warm spices, and crackly powdered sugar coating make them an irresistible treat for festive gatherings or quiet moments by the fire.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying out holiday recipes for the first time, these cookies are a perfect addition to your seasonal repertoire. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, they’re bound to impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Classic Holiday Flavor
The combination of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates the quintessential gingerbread taste that feels like a warm hug in cookie form.
Visually Stunning
The powdered sugar coating transforms into beautiful crackles as the cookies bake, making them a show-stopping addition to any dessert table.
Soft and Chewy Texture
These cookies strike the perfect balance—slightly crisp on the outside and soft, tender, and chewy on the inside.
Make-Ahead Friendly
The dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, allowing you to bake fresh batches whenever you need them.
Perfect for Sharing
With a yield of about four dozen cookies, this recipe ensures there’s plenty to go around for gifting or holiday parties.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
The butter creates a rich, creamy base for the cookies. Soften it at room temperature for easier mixing. - 1 cup granulated sugar
Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter. - ½ cup molasses
Essential for that deep, robust gingerbread flavor and moist texture. - 2 large eggs
These bind the dough together and add structure to the cookies. - 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
Provides the foundation for the cookie dough, giving the cookies their shape. - 2 teaspoons baking soda
Ensures the cookies rise slightly and crackle beautifully as they bake. - ½ teaspoon salt
Enhances the flavors of the spices and balances the sweetness. - 2 teaspoons ground ginger
The star spice of the recipe, adding warmth and depth. - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pairs perfectly with ginger for a classic holiday spice blend. - ½ teaspoon ground cloves
A hint of clove adds a slightly sweet, earthy note. - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Complements the other spices with its subtle, nutty flavor. - 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Creates the stunning crinkle effect and adds a touch of sweetness.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the molasses and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Chilling the dough is crucial for easy handling and to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Shape and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls using your hands.
- Roll each ball thoroughly in the powdered sugar, ensuring a generous coating for that signature crinkle effect.
- Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crackled. Avoid overbaking to maintain their soft texture.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 3-5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Variations and Customizations
Citrus Twist
Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a bright, zesty flavor that complements the warm spices beautifully.
Extra Spice
If you love a spicier cookie, increase the ground ginger to 2½ teaspoons or add a pinch of black pepper for a subtle heat.
Festive Decor
For an extra holiday touch, mix a bit of edible glitter into the powdered sugar before rolling the dough balls.
Gluten-Free Option
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free without compromising texture.
Chocolate Drizzle
Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the tops for added richness and a festive look.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips of Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Room Temperature Storage
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Dough
Prepare the dough balls, roll them in powdered sugar, and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing Baked Cookies
Baked cookies can also be frozen. Place them in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper in between, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough
Don’t skip the chilling step. Cold dough is easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. - Generously Coat with Powdered Sugar
A thick layer of powdered sugar ensures the crackled effect is visible and gives the cookies a festive, snowy look. - Don’t Overbake
Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges are set, and the tops have crackled. Overbaking can make them dry and hard. - Use Fresh Spices
For the best flavor, make sure your ground spices are fresh. Spices lose their potency over time. - Bake One Sheet at a Time
To ensure even baking, bake one sheet of cookies at a time in the center of the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these cookies with a warm mug of spiced chai, hot cocoa, or mulled wine for a cozy holiday treat.
- Include them in a festive cookie platter alongside sugar cookies, chocolate truffles, and peppermint bark.
- Gift them in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper for a homemade holiday present.
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies with a Powdered Sugar Twist are the epitome of holiday baking—easy to make, packed with warm spices, and utterly delightful to share. These cookies bring the spirit of the season into your kitchen, filling your home with their irresistible aroma and festive charm.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, creating a thoughtful gift, or simply indulging in a seasonal treat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the holiday baking magic begin! Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your creations using #GingerbreadCrinkleCookies—spreading festive cheer has never been so delicious.
Print
Holiday Delight: Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies with a Powdered Sugar Twist
- Total Time: ~3 hours
- Yield: 4 dozen cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and spiced cookies with a powdered sugar coating that crackles beautifully. Perfect for holiday baking and gifting!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup molasses
– 2 large eggs
– 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp baking soda
– ½ tsp salt
– 2 tsp ground ginger
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– ½ tsp ground cloves
– ½ tsp ground nutmeg
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
1. Cream butter and sugar. Add molasses and eggs.
2. Whisk dry ingredients separately.
3. Combine wet and dry mixtures. Chill dough for 2 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into balls and coat with powdered sugar.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
Notes
– Chilling the dough ensures cookies don’t spread too much.
– Add orange zest for a citrus twist.
– Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American