Welcome to the ultimate recipe for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, the perfect blend of holiday spice and irresistible chewiness. If you’ve been searching for a cookie that captures the festive spirit with its warm molasses flavor, fragrant spices, and iconic crackled top, you’ve found it. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience, filling your home with the quintessential aroma of Christmas baking.
We designed this recipe to be straightforward and foolproof, ensuring you get perfectly soft centers, chewy edges, and that beautiful crinkly sugar crust every single time. It’s the ideal bake for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee on a chilly afternoon. Get ready to make your new favorite holiday tradition!
Why This Is the Best Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe
In a sea of holiday recipes, this one for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies truly stands out. We’ve focused on creating a superior texture and flavor profile that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s the perfect combination of spice, sweetness, and chew.
Perfectly Chewy Texture: Unlike dry or cakey gingerbread, these cookies have a delightfully soft and chewy center that lasts for days.
Rich, Spiced Flavor: We use a carefully balanced blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses for a deep, authentic gingerbread taste that isn’t overpowering.
Guaranteed Crinkle Top: Follow our simple steps to achieve that stunning, sugary crackled surface that makes these cookies so special.
Simple & Straightforward: No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. This recipe is accessible to bakers of all skill levels. For another fun holiday project, try making these Snowman Oreo Balls.
A generous coating of powdered sugar is the key to the perfect crinkle.
The Science Behind the Crinkle
Ever wonder how crinkle cookies get their signature look? It’s a fantastic bit of kitchen science! The magic happens when the outside of the cookie dough dries out and sets before the cookie has a chance to fully rise.
As the leavening agents (like baking soda) activate in the oven, they release carbon dioxide gas, causing the cookie to spread and rise. However, the coating of powdered sugar absorbs moisture from the dough’s surface, creating a dry crust. This crust cracks and fissures as the cookie continues to expand, resulting in that beautiful mosaic pattern. The high sugar content in the dough itself also contributes to a crackly top, making this recipe a guaranteed success.
Key Ingredients for Success
The magic of these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies lies in a few key ingredients. Using the right type of molasses and fresh spices will make all the difference.
Unsulphured Molasses: This is the heart of the gingerbread flavor. We recommend using a dark, unsulphured molasses for its robust, sweet, and slightly smoky taste. Avoid blackstrap molasses, which can be too bitter for this recipe.
Spices: Freshly ground ginger, cinnamon, and a hint of cloves are essential. Old, expired spices lose their potency and won’t deliver that warm, festive aroma and flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect structure for a chewy cookie. Be sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
Butter: Use unsalted, room temperature butter for the best results. This allows you to control the salt content and ensures the butter creams properly with the sugar.
Sugars: A combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar in the dough provides moisture and chewiness. The final roll in powdered sugar is what gives the cookies their classic crinkle finish.
How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple instructions to bake the perfect batch of chewy gingerbread cookies. We’ve broken it down to ensure your baking process is smooth and enjoyable.
1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, beat in the egg and molasses until everything is well combined. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit separated at this stage.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Whisking ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is key for a consistent bake.
If you love spiced holiday treats, you might also enjoy this festive Gingerbread Coffee recipe to go along with your cookies.
3. Mix the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
4. Chill the Dough (Crucial Step!)
This step is non-negotiable for perfect Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor. Chilling the dough solidifies the fat, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and deepening the molasses flavor.
While the dough chills, why not plan another holiday treat? These Crockpot Christmas Candies are incredibly easy and delicious.
The secret to perfectly soft centers and chewy edges.
5. Roll and Bake
Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the powdered sugar in a small, shallow bowl. Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls. Roll each ball between your hands until smooth, then roll it generously in the powdered sugar to coat completely.
Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are beautifully crackled. The centers will still look slightly soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Crinkle Cookies
Want to elevate your cookie game? Here are a few expert tips to ensure your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are flawless every time.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time: We can’t say it enough! Chilling is essential for flavor development and preventing the cookies from becoming flat discs.
Generously Coat in Powdered Sugar: A thick, even coating of powdered sugar is what creates the dramatic crinkle effect. Don’t be shy with it!
Don’t Overbake: The key to a chewy cookie is to pull it from the oven when the center still looks a little underdone. It will finish baking on the hot pan and set up as it cools.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature to create a smooth, emulsified dough base.
Storage Instructions
These cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for baking ahead of time. Store the completely cooled Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them extra soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread.
You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. For freezing unbaked dough, roll it into balls (do not coat in sugar), and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly, then roll in powdered sugar and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
A lack of crinkle is usually due to one of two things: the dough wasn’t chilled long enough, or you didn’t use enough powdered sugar. Chilling is essential for the cookie to spread correctly, and a thick coating of sugar creates the dry outer crust that cracks.
Molasses is essential for the authentic flavor and chewy texture of gingerbread. You could substitute it with dark corn syrup, maple syrup, or honey in a pinch, but the taste and texture will be significantly different and less traditional.
The key to keeping them soft is to slightly underbake them and store them properly. Pull them from the oven when the centers still look soft. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. Adding a slice of bread to the container can also help maintain moisture.
Absolutely! The dough can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves with a longer chill time. You can also freeze the raw dough balls for up to 3 months.
Enjoy Your Festive Bake!
We hope you love making and sharing these wonderful Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. They are a true celebration of holiday flavors and a joy to bake. If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below with your experience or share your beautiful creations with us on Pinterest. Happy baking!
Get the recipe for the chewiest, most delicious Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies!
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
FL Recipes
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: The Ultimate Chewy Holiday Treat
Get the best recipe for chewy Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies! These perfectly spiced holiday cookies are easy to make and feature a beautiful crackled top. A festive treat that's sure to become a family favorite.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, ground cloves, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This is a crucial step for flavor and to prevent spreading.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the powdered sugar in a small bowl.
Shape the chilled dough into 1.5-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until it is generously coated.
Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops are crackled. The centers should still be slightly soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Calories: 125kcalProtein: 1.5gFat: 5gFiber: 0.5g
Notes
Do Not Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is essential for the best flavor and texture. Don't Overbake: For a chewy cookie, remove from the oven when the center is still soft. Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Keyword chewy gingerbread cookies,Christmas Cookies,Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
