When I first stumbled upon a recipe for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, I was immediately drawn in by the warm, spiced aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake. This holiday treat has become a staple in my home, reminding me of cozy gatherings and festive celebrations. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cocoa creates a delightful symphony of flavors, while the signature crinkle makes them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Perfect for a holiday cookie platter or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Why you’ll love this dish
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are not just tasty; they’re also incredibly easy to whip up, making them ideal for both experienced bakers and beginners. With a preparation time of just about 30 minutes plus baking, these cookies offer a quick solution for holiday cravings or unexpected guests. They are perfect for cozy winter evenings or festive gatherings. One bite transports you to a gingerbread paradise, making them special for occasions like Christmas, family reunions, or even a simple treat during the week.
“These cookies are pure holiday magic! They look stunning with the powdered sugar and taste even better than they look. A must-try for any cookie lover!” – Happy Baker
The cooking process explained
Making Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is a straightforward process you’ll love. We start by mixing dry ingredients, then combine them with the wet mixture, chill, scoop, and roll in powdered sugar. The entire process is simple yet rewarding, culminating in soft, chewy cookies that bring joy with every bite. Don’t worry—I’ll guide you through each step of the process!
What you’ll need
Gather these items to create your delicious Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- Powdered sugar for dusting
If you’re out of any spices or want to experiment, consider swapping out ginger for nutmeg or including a touch of vanilla extract for added depth!
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well blended.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, molasses, and vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
- Add in the egg, beating until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined—don’t overdo it!
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes; this makes it easier to work with.
- Scoop tablespoons of the chilled dough, roll into balls, and then coat each ball generously in powdered sugar.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and give them a slight flatten.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, ensuring the edges are set while the center remains a bit soft—this will keep them chewy!
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies stand out on their own, but you can elevate the experience further. Try serving them alongside a warm mug of spiced cider or rich hot chocolate. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist. You might even consider presenting them on a festive platter, garnished with cinnamon sticks and sprigs of mint for a touch of holiday flair!
Keeping leftovers fresh
To keep your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze them for up to three months. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the microwave.
Extra advice
For the best results, consider the timing of chilling the dough. This step not only enhances the flavor but also makes the cookies easier to handle. If the dough feels too sticky after mixing, adding a small amount of flour will help. Also, avoid over-baking; under-baked cookies will keep their soft texture and chewy center, which is why we love them!
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative with the flavor profile of these cookies. Swap part of the cocoa powder for white or dark chocolate chips for an indulgent variation. If you prefer a touch of citrus, adding zest from an orange or lemon can brighten up the flavors. For a nutty finish, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans after mixing the dough.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare these cookies?
Preparing the dough takes about 10-15 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for chilling. Baking them requires 10-12 minutes.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie. Just keep in mind it may change the texture slightly.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that contains xanthan gum.
These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are sure to bring warmth to your kitchen and joy to your celebrations. Give them a try, and happy baking!
PrintGingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Deliciously spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies that are soft, chewy, and perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well blended.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, molasses, and vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Add in the egg, beating until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined—don’t overdo it!
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoons of the chilled dough, roll into balls, and coat each ball generously in powdered sugar.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and slightly flatten them.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, ensuring the edges are set while the center remains soft.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
For optimal results, ensure the dough is properly chilled; this enhances the flavor and makes it easier to work with. Don’t over-bake; they should be chewy in the center.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg









