There’s something magical about the smell of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven. The blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates an irresistible aroma that fills your home and immediately puts everyone in a festive mood. These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic gingerbread cookie, with a perfect balance of chewiness, spice, and a crackled, sugary exterior.
Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies make a wonderful addition to any cookie tray or festive gathering. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, a cozy night in, or as a homemade gift for friends and family, these gingerbread crinkle cookies are sure to impress with their delightful flavor and gorgeous appearance. Plus, they’re easy to make and incredibly satisfying, both to bake and to eat.
What makes these gingerbread crinkle cookies even better is their texture. Unlike some gingerbread cookies that can be a bit hard and crunchy, these are soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced. The crinkle effect comes from rolling the dough in sugar before baking, which gives them that signature crackled top. Every bite is a little burst of warm holiday spices, and the combination of molasses and brown sugar gives them a depth of flavor that will have you coming back for more.
Are you Ready to bake up these festive, soft gingerbread crinkle cookies? Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Before you dive into the baking process, make sure you have all of your ingredients ready to go. These gingerbread crinkle cookies come together quickly with just a few pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your dough, creating the right texture for your cookies.
- 1 tsp baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly and ensures they’re light and chewy.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the spices.
- 1 tbsp ground ginger – This is the star of the show! Ground ginger gives these cookies their signature warm and spicy flavor.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Adds another layer of warmth and spice.
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves – Cloves provide a deep, aromatic flavor that makes these cookies even more festive.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg – Nutmeg complements the other spices and gives the cookies a cozy, comforting flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Softened butter ensures a smooth dough and gives the cookies their rich, tender texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to the texture of the dough.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – Brown sugar adds a molasses-like flavor and helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- 1/4 cup molasses – Molasses is key to the deep flavor of gingerbread cookies. It’s what makes them so irresistibly soft and rich.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the dough together and gives the cookies structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to balance the spices.
For Rolling:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – This is what you’ll use to roll the cookie dough balls in before baking to get that signature crinkly top.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar – Powdered sugar creates the cracked, snowy effect on top of the cookies, adding a little sweetness to each bite.
Directions for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Let’s break down the baking process for these soft and spiced gingerbread crinkle cookies into simple steps. The process is quick, and before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with the wonderful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread.
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Next, grab a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and all your spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg). This helps ensure that the spices and dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough, so every bite has the perfect balance of flavor.
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or a stand mixer to beat the butter and sugars on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step creaming the butter and sugar well helps create a lighter texture for your cookies.
Once the butter and sugars are well combined, add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is fully incorporated. The molasses will give the dough its signature gingerbread flavor and help make these cookies soft and chewy.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until everything is combined. Don’t overmix the dough, as that could lead to tough cookies. Once the dough comes together, it should be soft but not sticky.
2. Chill the Dough
This step is optional, but I highly recommend chilling the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll into balls and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step, but the dough might be a little more difficult to handle.
While the dough is chilling, go ahead and prepare the rolling station. Place the granulated sugar and powdered sugar in two separate shallow bowls. You’ll be rolling the dough balls in these sugars to create the crinkle effect.
3. Roll the Dough Into Balls
Once your dough has chilled, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a ball using your hands. You want the dough balls to be about the size of a tablespoon or slightly smaller, so they bake evenly.
First, roll each dough ball in the granulated sugar, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll it in the powdered sugar, coating it generously. The powdered sugar will give the cookies their signature crinkled top when they bake, so make sure to coat them well.
4. Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread slightly as they bake, so give them room to do so.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the tops have cracked. The centers should still look soft this is what will give your cookies that melt-in-your-mouth softness. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook a bit once you take them out of the oven, so don’t overbake them!
Once they’re done, remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To make sure your gingerbread crinkle cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy pro tips to keep in mind:
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars. Cold butter won’t mix well with the sugars, and your cookies may not turn out as soft.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and results in a softer, chewier texture.
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should have cracked tops and be slightly soft in the center. If you overbake them, they may turn out dry instead of soft and chewy.
- Extra Powdered Sugar: If you want extra crinkles, you can roll the dough balls in the powdered sugar a second time before baking. It gives them an even more cracked and snowy look.
Variations and Substitutes
While these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are delicious just as they are, there are some fun and easy variations you can try to make them your own. Whether you’re looking to make these cookies gluten-free, vegan, or just want to experiment with different flavor profiles, there are plenty of options.
- 1. Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies: If you’re looking to make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum, as it will help bind the dough together. You may also want to add an extra egg or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to ensure the cookies hold their shape.
- 2. Dairy-Free and Vegan Gingerbread Cookies: To make these gingerbread cookies dairy-free or vegan, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. For the egg, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or applesauce (1/4 cup) as a binding agent. You can also swap the molasses with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor, but it will still give you that lovely warm, spiced taste.
- 3. Spice Variations: If you’re a fan of different spices, you can easily adjust the spice mix to suit your preferences. For example, you could add a bit of cardamom for an additional layer of warmth or increase the cinnamon for a more pronounced flavor. You can even try a bit of allspice for a more intense spiced cookie.
- 4. Add-ins for Extra Texture: To take these gingerbread crinkle cookies to the next level, consider adding some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or chocolate chips for a fun twist. Dark chocolate chunks pair wonderfully with the spices and give these cookies a richer flavor. For an even more festive touch, try adding white chocolate chips or crushed candy canes to the dough for a holiday-themed treat.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks and side dishes to create the ultimate cozy holiday experience.
1. Beverage Pairings
- Hot Chocolate: There’s nothing better than a warm cup of hot chocolate alongside a chewy gingerbread cookie. Whether you prefer classic hot chocolate or a rich peppermint version, the sweetness and creaminess of the drink complement the warm spices of the cookie perfectly.
- Coffee: The strong, slightly bitter flavor of coffee pairs beautifully with the soft, sweet spiced cookies. If you enjoy lattes, try a gingerbread latte for a festive twist.
2. Serving Suggestions
- Cookie Platters: These gingerbread crinkle cookies make a fantastic addition to a holiday cookie platter. Pair them with other festive cookies like snickerdoodles, sugar cookies, or chocolate crinkles for a varied selection that will please all your guests.
- Gift Giving: These cookies make for a great homemade gift during the holiday season. Package them in a cute box or jar, tie with a festive ribbon, and give them to friends, family, or coworkers. They’re a thoughtful and delicious gesture that’s sure to bring joy.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun twist, turn these cookies into gingerbread ice cream sandwiches! Just scoop some vanilla, cinnamon, or even pumpkin ice cream between two cookies, and enjoy the ultimate holiday dessert.
Why These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Are a Winner
These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. They combine everything that makes gingerbread cookies a classic: rich molasses, warming spices, and a soft, chewy texture. The crinkle effect adds a visual charm that’s perfect for Christmas and other festive occasions.
What makes these cookies stand out is their versatility. You can easily modify the recipe to suit dietary needs (gluten-free, vegan) or personal preferences (more spice, add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts). Plus, they’re super easy to make, which is always a bonus when you’re preparing for a busy holiday season.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or just because you want a cozy treat with a cup of tea, these gingerbread crinkle cookies will always hit the spot. They’re perfect for sharing and will definitely impress everyone with their delicious flavor and festive appearance.
Closing Thoughts
If you love gingerbread cookies, then these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a must-try. They’re soft, chewy, and full of that classic gingerbread flavor we all know and love. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply for a cozy treat at home, these cookies will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.
Don’t forget to share your baking success with me! Tag me on social media when you bake these cookies, and leave a comment to let me know how they turned out. I’d love to hear how you make them your own, whether it’s through a fun variation or a unique pairing idea. Happy baking, and enjoy the holidays!