Magical Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe for Cozy Moments

Sweet memories of winter whisper through these delightful gingerbread crinkle cookies that dance with warm spices and sugary magic.

Childhood nostalgia wraps around each delicate, powdered-sugar-coated morsel like a comfortable blanket.

Molasses and cinnamon create a symphony of flavors that instantly transport you to cozy kitchen moments.

Soft centers nestled beneath crisp, crackled exteriors promise a delectable experience that tingles your senses.

Delicate yet robust, these cookies blend classic comfort with elegant simplicity.

Baking becomes an intimate celebration of seasonal joy, inviting you to savor every delicious bite.

You’ll find yourself falling in love with this irresistible treat that turns ordinary afternoons into extraordinary memories.

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies That Are Soft and Full of Spice

• Spice Up Your Holiday: Dive into a world of warm, comforting gingerbread flavors that instantly transport you to cozy winter moments with every bite.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple techniques and basic ingredients, making it a stress-free holiday treat.
• Festive Crowd-Pleaser: These crinkle cookies are guaranteed to impress at family gatherings, potlucks, or as a delightful homemade gift that spreads holiday cheer.
• Quick and Easy Prep: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delectable cookies in no time, leaving more moments for enjoying the holiday spirit.

Walnut Snowball Cookies Pantry Breakdown

• Butter: Softens to create a smooth, rich base.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Adds deep molasses flavor.
• Egg: Binds the cookie dough together.
• Molasses: Provides signature gingerbread taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg: Create classic gingerbread warmth.
• Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Provide sweet coating and signature crinkle effect.

How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, cream together softened butter and dark brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Crack in the egg and pour in molasses, mixing thoroughly until the mixture becomes completely combined and silky.

Step 2: Blend the Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Kosher salt

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 4: Shape the Cookie Dough

Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into perfectly round balls.

Step 5: Create the Signature Crinkle Coating

Roll each dough ball first in granulated sugar, then generously coat with powdered sugar, ensuring a thick, crackly exterior.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Place the sugar-coated dough balls in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up and enhance flavor development.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place chilled dough balls on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes until edges are slightly crisp. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Cookie Tips That Add Holiday Crinkle to Gingerbread

• Chill for Success: Freezing the dough balls before baking helps prevent spreading and maintains the perfect crinkle texture, ensuring beautiful, professional-looking cookies every time.
• Spice It Right: Adjust the spice blend to your taste by adding extra ground ginger or cinnamon for a more intense flavor profile that matches your personal preference.
• Sugar Coating Trick: Use a separate bowl for granulated and powdered sugar to create an even, thick coating that produces those signature crinkle cookie cracks and a beautiful white finish.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage, making holiday baking more convenient and stress-free.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the rich, warm gingerbread flavor of these festive treats.

Store Crinkle Cookies in Airtight Container

• Store cookies in an airtight container with wax paper between layers for up to 5 days, keeping their soft texture and spicy flavor intact.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, and store for 2-3 months; thaw at room temperature for best taste and texture.
• Warm cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and bring back their fresh-baked warmth.
• Let frozen or refrigerated cookies sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to regain their original delightful consistency.

Pecan Cheese Ball Serving Tips

• Pair Warm Spiced Tea: Brew a fragrant chai or ginger tea that complements the cookie's warm spices, enhancing the gingerbread flavor profile and creating a cozy holiday moment.
• Serve Creamy Eggnog: Classic eggnog's rich, velvety texture and nutmeg notes perfectly balance the cookie's crisp edges and deep molasses undertones, making it an ideal festive companion.
• Enjoy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth, cold vanilla ice cream provides delightful temperature contrast against the warm, spiced cookie, melting softly and adding luxurious creaminess.
• Match Mulled Wine: A traditional European holiday drink with cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest echoes the cookie's spice elements, offering a sophisticated adult beverage pairing.

Walnut Snowball Cookie Buttery Spins

• Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies: Replace wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring the same texture and rich spice profile for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Spice Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of chicken egg, and select plant-based molasses to create a dairy-free and egg-free version that maintains the classic gingerbread flavor.
• Low-Sugar Holiday Treats: Substitute dark brown sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the warm, festive taste of traditional gingerbread cookies.
• Keto-Friendly Spice Cookies: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and incorporate additional warm spices to create a low-carb alternative that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

FAQs

• What spices give these gingerbread crinkle cookies their unique flavor?

The key spices are ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. These warm, aromatic spices create the classic gingerbread taste that makes these cookies so delicious and festive.

• Why do the cookies have a crinkle appearance?

The crinkle effect comes from rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar first, then coating them generously in icing sugar. When baked, the icing sugar cracks, creating beautiful white lines and a stunning, textured surface that looks like a winter landscape.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance. After forming the dough balls, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 weeks. This makes it easy to have fresh cookies ready anytime during the holiday season.

• Are these cookies soft or crispy?

These gingerbread crinkle cookies are soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior. The chilling step and specific baking temperature help achieve this perfect texture that melts in your mouth.

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive holiday magic sparkles in these gingerbread crinkle cookies, blending rich molasses and warm spices into a delightful seasonal treat. Powdered sugar-dusted edges and deep, comforting flavors invite you to savor classic Christmas cheer with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar (150g)
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup molasses (70g)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (4g)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (2g)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (2g)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (1g)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Coating and Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 3/4 cup icing sugar for rolling

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Instructions

1. Cream the softened butter and dark brown sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a light, fluffy consistency, ensuring no lumps remain.
2. Incorporate the egg and molasses into the butter mixture, stirring until fully integrated and creating a smooth, glossy base.
3. Sift the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and kosher salt into a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of the dry ingredients.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
5. Prepare two separate shallow dishes: one with granulated sugar and another with powdered sugar for coating the cookies.
6. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm up and enhance flavor development.
7. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Using a cookie scoop, portion out uniform dough balls and roll them first in granulated sugar, then generously coat with powdered sugar.
9. Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving adequate space between each cookie.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops develop characteristic crackled patterns.
11. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
12. Store in an airtight container to maintain their soft, chewy texture and festive spiced flavor.

Notes

• Choose dark molasses for deeper, richer flavor that enhances traditional gingerbread taste.
• Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain perfect cookie shape during baking.
• Use freshly ground spices for more intense, vibrant gingerbread flavor profile.
• Adjust spice levels by adding extra ground ginger or cinnamon for personalized warmth.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg