If you’ve been searching for a cozy, irresistible treat to brighten up your baking routine, these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are absolute game changers. Imagine biting into a cookie that greets you with tender softness, bursting with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, while boasting those signature crinkled tops dusted in a snowy layer of powdered sugar. They’re the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and delightfully chewy, making them a standout favorite to share with friends and family during any chilly afternoon or festive gathering.

Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet pack so much flavor and texture into every bite. Each element plays a key role in creating the perfect harmony of softness, spice, and that stunning crinkle look.

2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives structure without weighing down the cookies.
2 tsp ground ginger: The star spice, providing that warm, zesty kick that defines gingerbread.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds gentle sweetness and depth.
½ tsp ground cloves: A subtle but bold spice that enhances the overall warmth.
½ tsp ground nutmeg: Offers a soft, nutty undertone.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and develop that lovely crackle.
¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances spice flavors.
¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened: Contributes richness and tender texture.
1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a deep caramel flavor.
1 large egg: Binds everything together, adding softness.
¼ cup (60ml) molasses: Imparts that classic gingerbread earthiness and moisture.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors with pure sweetness.
½ cup (60g) powdered sugar: For coating, creating the iconic crinkle appearance.

How to Make Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking together all your dry ingredients—the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. This spices blend is the secret to that rich, layered flavor we all crave in a gingerbread cookie. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until the mix is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with a mixer. Then, incorporate the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Slowly combine your dry ingredients into the wet, just until everything is smoothly blended. Be sure to cover the dough and chill it for at least two hours or overnight; this little wait is essential for the cookies to develop those iconic crinkles when baked.

Step 2: Shape and Roll

Once the dough has rested, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep things neat. Use a cookie scoop to portion out heaping tablespoon-sized balls. These dough balls will be sticky, so try to work quickly and roll them swiftly in a generous coating of powdered sugar—this step is what makes the surface crackle beautifully during baking. Don’t be shy with the sugar coating; the more the merrier for that perfect crinkle effect.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your powdered sugar-coated dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cookies have spread out nicely, revealed deep cracks on the surface, the edges feel firm, and the centers still promise that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Once out of the oven, let them rest for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step locks in that tender softness we all adore.

How to Serve Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Garnishes

For a delightful visual and flavor boost, sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar right before serving. You can also drizzle a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of lemon juice for a subtle tang that complements the spice just perfectly. If you’re feeling festive, adding a few tiny edible gold sprinkles can make these cookies pop beautifully on any dessert table.

Side Dishes

These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies pair exceptionally well with a warm cup of chai tea or a rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. For an adult twist, try them alongside a glass of spiced mulled wine or a cozy cup of coffee spiked with cinnamon. The warmth of these drinks accentuates the spices in the cookies and makes every bite feel like a hug in edible form.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate! Arrange these cookies in a festive tin layered with parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade gift. You can also stack them tall on a dessert pedestal or nestle them in a basket lined with a colorful tea towel for a charming kitchen display. For a party, tie individual cookies with a ribbon and attach a small tag with the cookie name for a personal touch that guests will appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These gingerbread crinkle cookies keep their magic best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The key is to keep them moist without making them soggy. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days—perfect for enjoying throughout the week or offering as a snack on hand.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, freezing is your friend! After the dough is prepared, roll it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag to freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too—wrap cooled cookies tightly and freeze for up to two months to enjoy fresh tasting treats later.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, reheat your cookies gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or until warm but not crisp. Avoid microwaving as that can toughen the texture. A warm cookie always tastes like it just came out of the oven, soft, fragrant, and so comforting.

FAQs

What makes these cookies soft instead of crispy?

The combination of brown sugar, molasses, and butter ensures the cookies stay moist and tender. Also, baking them just until the edges are set but the centers still appear soft keeps that wonderful chewy texture.

Can I substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup?

Molasses gives a distinctive deep flavor and color crucial for authentic gingerbread. Honey or maple syrup will alter the taste significantly and may affect the texture, so it’s best to stick with molasses for these cookies.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to handle, and helps control the spread while baking. It also promotes the formation of those delightful cracks on the cookie surface, giving these crinkle cookies their signature look.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Bread flour has a higher protein content which can make cookies tougher and chewier in an undesired way. For the best soft and tender crumb, all-purpose flour is recommended for these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.

How should I store the cookies to prevent them from drying out?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread or a piece of apple to help maintain moisture. The bread or apple piece will absorb and release moisture, keeping the cookies soft longer.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, I’m sure they’ll become a favorite go-to treat for your cozy days and holiday celebrations. The warm spices combined with that tender softness and stunning cracked sugar coating make every bite feel like an embrace from the season itself. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the joy of baking these delightful cookies that everyone will be talking about long after the last crumb disappears.

Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 13 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are tender, aromatic treats bursting with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Coated in powdered sugar, these cookies develop beautiful cracks as they bake, offering a delightful texture contrast—crispy edges with a soft, chewy center. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with a cup of tea.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, which helps set the dough and develop the crinkled texture during baking.
Shape and Roll the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Since the dough is sticky, working quickly is recommended. Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated, which contributes to the signature crackled appearance.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread visibly and the tops exhibit deep cracks, with firm edges and soft centers. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely to maintain their softness and prevent breakage.

Notes

Refrigerating the dough is essential for the crinkled texture and preventing excessive spreading.
Use fresh spices for the most vibrant flavor.
For a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan margarine and use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Category: Dessert, Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American