Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe – The Sweet Embrace of Holiday Spirit

As the winter chill settles in, there’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of gingerbread wafting through your home. These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies always transport me back to my childhood, nestled under a warm blanket with a steaming cup of cocoa. The aroma of spices like ginger and cinnamon dancing in the air feels like a warm hug from inside the oven. So grab your apron and let’s create some delicious memories together!

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make
• Comforting homemade flavor
• Made with simple ingredients
• Great for any occasion
• Always a crowd-pleaser

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these cozy delights, you’ll need:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  The foundation of your cookies—helps them rise beautifully!

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  The magic that’ll give your cookies a nice lift!

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors!

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  Brings that warm, spicy kick!

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  A classic flavor that just screams comfort!

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  Adds a delightful depth to your cookies!

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  Use unsalted for better control over the salt level!

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  Keeps your cookies incredibly moist and adds a lovely caramel note!

• 1/2 cup molasses
  The secret ingredient for that rich, deep flavor!

• 1 large egg
  Helps bind everything together beautifully!

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  Because everything is better with a touch of vanilla!

• Powdered sugar for dusting
  A snowy finish that makes everything festive!

How to Make It

1. Preheat your oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper. You can almost feel the excitement building, can’t you?

2. Whisk the dry ingredients. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. You’ll love the aromas already mingling in the air!

3. Cream the butter and brown sugar. In a separate, large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. The texture should be dreamy, and the smell? Pure bliss!

4. Add the wet ingredients. Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Ensure everything is well blended and smooth. You might want to sneak a taste—just a little!

5. Mix in the dry ingredients. Gradually combine the flour mixture with the wet ingredients until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky—just perfect for chilling.

6. Chill the dough. Place the bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This isn’t just a waiting game; it’s a time for the flavors to mingle sweetly.

7. Shape the cookies. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Now, roll each ball in powdered sugar until they’re well coated. It’s like giving them a cozy winter coat!

8. Bake! Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be set while the centers stay soft. The anticipation is building!

9. Cool down. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Try to resist just one until they’re cool—they’re irresistible!

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saving trick: Make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days, or pop it in the freezer for later use—just thaw before baking!

• Common mistakes: If the dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to flour your hands a bit when rolling or even chill it longer.

• Creative twist: Add in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor!

Serving Ideas

Nothing warms the soul quite like sharing Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies with loved ones. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night by the fire, these cookies bring people together. Serve them alongside a hot cup of cocoa or spiced tea, and perhaps add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for that extra flair. They also make wonderful gifts during the holidays—just package them in a cute tin, and you’ve got an easy present that spreads joy!

Storing & Leftovers

To keep your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies fresh:

• Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
• If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You’ll love how fresh they taste once reheated!
• For a fun leftover idea, crumble them over vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert twist!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! It often tastes even better the next day—so feel free to bake a batch in advance!

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are very forgiving—whether you want to try a different sweetener or even substitute the flour, get creative!

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the pan while they’re still warm is the best way to enjoy the delightful, gooey centers!

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges and that delicious, fragrant smell—the scent of the holidays is your sign these cookies are ready!

Final Thoughts

Baking these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies has become a cherished tradition for me. The wafting scents, the warmth of the kitchen, and the joy shared with family and friends are all part of what makes this recipe so special. I hope you try it and experience the cozy embrace of the holidays in every single bite. Create your memories, share them, and may your kitchen always be filled with love and laughter. Enjoy making these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies—trust me, they’ll hold a special place in your heart too!

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Cozy and festive Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies that are perfect for the holidays and a true delight to share with loved ones.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 42 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour The foundation of your cookies—helps them rise beautifully!
• 1 teaspoon baking soda The magic that’ll give your cookies a nice lift!
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors!
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger Brings that warm, spicy kick!
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon A classic flavor that just screams comfort!
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves Adds a delightful depth to your cookies!

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened Use unsalted for better control over the salt level!
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed Keeps your cookies incredibly moist and adds a lovely caramel note!
• 1/2 cup molasses The secret ingredient for that rich, deep flavor!
• 1 large egg Helps bind everything together beautifully!
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Because everything is better with a touch of vanilla!

For Dusting

• Powdered sugar A snowy finish that makes everything festive!

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. In a separate, large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well blended.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, creating a soft, slightly sticky dough.
6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls, then coat each ball in powdered sugar.
8. Arrange the dough balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and the centers remain soft.
10. Let cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a fun leftover idea, crumble cookies over vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert twist. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze cookies for longer storage.