Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat

Name: Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour; 2 teaspoons Ground Ginger; 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves; 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature (2 sticks)); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for the dough); 1 Large Egg (room temperature); 1/4 cup Unsulfured Molasses (Do not use Blackstrap molasses, as it is too strong.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for rolling); 1 cup Confectioners' Sugar (Powdered Sugar) (for rolling)

BY :

Amaya

Posted On :

October 15, 2025

Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

DESSERT

There is a specific moment during the holiday season when the rich, warm aroma of gingerbread spices begins to waft through the house a scent that instantly transforms the mundane into the magical. If you are searching for a cookie recipe that perfectly captures the cozy essence of winter while offering a unique, delightful texture, look no further than these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. These aren’t your typical thin, crisp gingerbread men; instead, they are chewy, deeply flavored, and boast a stunning contrast thanks to their snowy coating of confectioners’ sugar.

Every bite delivers a powerful punch of authentic gingerbread flavor a harmonious blend of robust molasses, fiery ginger, and comforting cinnamon. The key to their signature look is the ‘crinkle,’ achieved when the cookie expands rapidly in the heat, cracking the thick layer of powdered sugar coating and revealing the dark, spiced dough underneath. It’s a beautiful marriage of flavor and aesthetics, making these cookies an absolute centerpiece for any cookie exchange or a cherished addition to your annual baking repertoire. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, because this recipe for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies requires patience during the chilling phase, but the spectacular results are undeniably worth the wait.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

These cookies offer a baking experience and a flavor profile that stands head and shoulders above standard holiday fare. While many gingerbread recipes lean toward the crunchy or overly dry side, our focus here is on achieving maximum softness and chewiness, perfectly balanced with intensely deep spice notes. If you adore the flavor of classic gingerbread but prefer a cookie that melts in your mouth, these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are designed specifically for you.

A Symphony of Texture and Flavor

The magic of the crinkle cookie lies in its structural integrity. Unlike a traditional sugar cookie, these have a rich, complex texture. The interior remains moist and incredibly chewy, thanks primarily to the inclusion of molasses and precise baking times. When baked correctly, the edges are slightly firm, offering just enough resistance before yielding to a wonderfully soft center. This textural contrast is heightened by the crunchy granulated sugar base layer and the delicate, dissolving sweetness of the powdered sugar coating.

The flavor profile is robust and unmistakably gingerbread. We use four essential spices ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to create a multi-layered warmth. The ground ginger provides the essential heat and zest, while cinnamon brings comforting sweetness. Cloves and nutmeg add depth and that signature holiday aromatic quality. Furthermore, allowing the dough to chill for at least three hours (and preferably overnight) is non-negotiable for maximizing this flavor. Chilling allows the flour to fully hydrate and, critically, gives the spices time to ‘bloom’ and intensify, ensuring every cookie bursts with flavor.

Visual Appeal: The Crinkle Effect

Beyond the taste, the appearance of the Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is what truly makes them showstoppers. The dramatic white snow-cap against the deep, earthy brown of the gingerbread dough provides a striking visual contrast. As the dough balls expand rapidly in the oven, the surface cracks, pulling the powdered sugar into beautiful, intricate patterns. This natural, rustic decoration eliminates the need for complicated icing or fussy piping, delivering maximum visual impact with minimal effort. This makes them ideal for quickly filling a holiday cookie platter or packaging them up for neighbors and friends.

If you’re looking for more simple yet stunning holiday treats, you might also enjoy making Puppy Chow Chocolate Truffles. But when it comes to classic Christmas spice with an exciting twist, the Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies simply cannot be beat. They look professional, taste artisanal, and fill your home with the very best smells of the season.

Why You Should Try This Recipe Now: Essential Holiday Baking

Choosing which cookies to bake during the busy holiday season can be overwhelming. This recipe simplifies the process while delivering maximum nostalgic payoff. If you are looking to expand your cookie arsenal beyond simple chocolate chip or thumbprints, integrating Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is the perfect step. They are straightforward to make, require standard pantry staples, and are resilient enough to handle gifting and travel.

Molasses Magic and the Perfect Texture

The use of molasses is paramount here. We specifically call for unsulfured molasses, which provides a rich, complex sweetness without the overwhelming bitterness of blackstrap molasses. Molasses is a hygroscopic ingredient, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. This property is crucial for ensuring the cookies remain soft and chewy days after baking. It also contributes significantly to the deep, golden-brown color and authentic gingerbread flavor that defines these crinkles. For those who love the strong, rich flavor of gingerbread, the molasses delivers that deep note perfectly, making them more flavorful than cookies relying solely on brown sugar.

Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly forgiving once the dough is properly chilled. The chilling process transforms the sticky dough into a firm, manageable consistency that is easy to scoop and roll. This step ensures consistent cookie shape and is the secret weapon against excessive spreading, which would otherwise ruin the beautiful crinkle effect. When you see that thick, luxurious dough ready for rolling, you know you are setting yourself up for success.

A Versatile and Gift-Friendly Bake

Baking 3 dozen cookies in one go means you can easily meet the demands of a cookie exchange or create abundant gifts for teachers, postal workers, and family. The robust nature of these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies also means they store exceptionally well. When kept in an airtight container at room temperature, they remain soft and delicious for up to five days, and they freeze beautifully for longer storage.

Are you a fan of that intense ginger flavor but looking for a slightly different texture? This recipe shares a foundational flavor profile with other favorites like Starbucks Copycat Ginger Molasses Cookies, but the addition of the crinkle coating adds that festive snow-dusted look. For more visual inspiration and seasonal baking ideas, be sure to check out my collection of holiday treats on Pinterest.

In summary, choosing these crinkles means choosing a cookie that: 1) is visually stunning; 2) offers an unparalleled chewy texture; and 3) delivers a powerful, authentic spiced flavor. They are simple to master, yet impressive enough to make you the star baker of the season.

Gathering Your Ingredients and Tools for Perfect Gingerbread Crinkles

Achieving bakery-quality Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies starts with careful ingredient selection and preparation. Ensure all your perishable ingredients, especially the butter and egg, are truly at room temperature. This is essential for proper emulsion during the creaming stage, which directly impacts the final cookie texture.

Precise Quantities: The Gingerbread Crinkle Ingredients

We break down the ingredients into three key categories: the essential dry foundation, the rich wet components, and the dual-layer coating that creates the signature look.

Dry Ingredients

2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour: Use the scoop-and-level method to ensure accuracy. Too much flour will result in dry cookies.
2 teaspoons Ground Ginger: This is the backbone of the flavor. Don’t skimp, and ensure your spices are fresh for maximum potency.
1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon: Provides warmth and balances the sharpness of the ginger and cloves.
1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves: A strong spice; 1/2 teaspoon is sufficient to add depth without being overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: Adds an earthy sweetness crucial to the classic gingerbread profile.
1 teaspoon Baking Soda: This leavening agent is key for the rise and the subsequent crinkle when combined with the acidic molasses.
1/4 teaspoon Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and intensifying the spice flavors.

Wet Ingredients and Fat

1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature: Crucial for the creaming process. If it’s too cold, it won’t cream properly; if it’s melted, the dough will be greasy.
3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for the dough): Provides sweetness and helps create the necessary structure during creaming.
1 large Egg, room temperature: Acts as a binder. Room temperature eggs emulsify better into the butter mixture.
1/4 cup Unsulfured Molasses: Use unsulfured, lighter molasses for the best flavor balance. Blackstrap is too strong and can lead to a slightly bitter cookie. This is vital for chewiness and depth of flavor in these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

Coating Ingredients (The Crinkle Secret)

1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for rolling): The first layer helps wick away a bit of moisture and ensures the powdered sugar sticks without dissolving immediately.
1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (Powdered Sugar) (for rolling): This thick second layer is what dramatically cracks in the oven, creating the iconic white crinkle pattern. A generous coating is necessary.

Achieving the perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies texture relies heavily on the quality and precise measurement of these spices and fats. Ensure you scrape down your measuring cups and spoons to get exact proportions, especially with the spices and the molasses. The difference between a beautifully chewy cookie and a stiff one often comes down to these initial preparation steps.

Recommended Tools for Baking Success

While you can certainly make these by hand, a stand mixer or robust hand mixer will make the creaming process much easier and more efficient, contributing to a lighter cookie.

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Necessary for thoroughly creaming the butter and sugar, which incorporates air and provides structure. A paddle attachment is ideal.
Rubber Spatula: Essential for scraping down the bowl during mixing and for folding in the dry ingredients.
Medium and Large Mixing Bowls: One for whisking dry ingredients, and one for the dough mixing process.
Parchment Paper: Lining baking sheets prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. It also helps regulate the heat for even baking of your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.
Cookie Scoop (1-inch or 1 Tablespoon): Using a scoop ensures every cookie is the same size, leading to uniform baking and the most beautiful, consistent crinkle effect.
Shallow Bowls: You will need two separate shallow bowls one for the granulated sugar and one for the much deeper volume of confectioners’ sugar.
Wire Cooling Rack: Allows air to circulate around the cookies to cool them down properly and prevent residual heat from continuing to bake them.

Preparation, as you can see, is almost as important as the baking itself. Having these tools ready ensures a smooth transition from mixing, to chilling, to rolling the beautiful Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies dough.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Follow these detailed steps carefully, paying close attention to the temperatures and mixing times, particularly during the creaming and chilling stages, to guarantee the perfect texture and the coveted crinkle.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agent (baking soda) and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. Set the dry mixture aside; it is crucial to have it ready for rapid integration later.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a large bowl and a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and the 3/4 cup of granulated sugar on medium-high speed. Beat until the mixture is visibly lightened in color and texture, becoming fluffy. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl often to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. This step incorporates air, which contributes to the final cookie’s rise and softness.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Beat in the room-temperature egg until it is just combined. Next, add the molasses and vanilla extract. Continue beating on low speed until the wet ingredients are fully incorporated. Don’t be alarmed if the mixture looks slightly separated or curdled at this stage; this is normal due to the addition of the thick, syrupy molasses.

4. Combine Wet and Dry

With the mixer running on the lowest speed, gradually add the reserved dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Mix only until the flour streaks disappear and the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added. Overmixing develops gluten, which will result in tough, less soft cookies. The finished dough will be thick, sticky, and gorgeously dark. Scrape it into a clean bowl.

5. Chill the Dough (Crucial Step)

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the dough if possible to prevent a skin from forming. This chilling period is absolutely crucial for perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours, or preferably overnight (8–12 hours). Chilling allows the spices to fully bloom, the flavors to meld, and, most importantly, firms up the fat, which prevents the cookies from spreading too thinly during baking, ensuring that beautiful crinkle forms.

For more baking tips, including how temperature affects your final product, you might want to read our advice on making Eggnog Bread with Glaze, where temperature control is also key.

6. Prepare Baking Station and Coatings

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Prepare your rolling stations: Place the 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a small, shallow bowl. Place the generous 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar in a separate, slightly deeper bowl. Ensure you have enough powdered sugar to coat the cookies thickly.

7. Roll and Coat Cookies

Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. If it’s been chilled overnight, it may be very firm; let it sit for 5–10 minutes if necessary to allow scooping. Scoop the dough using a small cookie scoop or roll into 1-inch balls (approximately 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie). Uniform size is important for even baking.

First Roll: Roll the dough ball gently in the bowl of granulated sugar. This step adds a texture base and acts as a barrier.
Second Roll (The Secret): Immediately transfer the ball and roll it generously in the confectioners’ sugar. This coating must be thick and opaque. Do not dust off the excess; the more powdered sugar, the better the crinkle effect will be. The final cookie ball should look like a small snowball.

8. Bake the Cookies

Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies are done when they have spread, developed the distinct crinkle pattern, and the centers look soft but set. They may look slightly underdone in the very middle that is perfect for maintaining a soft, chewy texture. Do not overbake, or they will lose their signature softness!

9. Cool and Serve

Let the baked Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to set fully without collapsing. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days, though we doubt they will last that long!

Pro Tips, Variations, and Troubleshooting Your Gingerbread Crinkles

Even seasoned bakers encounter challenges. Here are some essential tips to perfect your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies and suggestions for dietary adjustments.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. The Cookies Spread Too Much

If your cookies are spreading into flat pancakes instead of maintaining a dome and cracking:

Re-check the chilling time: Did you chill for the full 3 hours? If the dough is warm, the fat melts too quickly.
Flour measurement: Did you use too little flour? Always use the spoon-and-level technique.
Baking sheet temperature: Always place cookie dough on a cool baking sheet. If you put cold dough onto a hot sheet, it signals the butter to melt immediately.

2. The Crinkle Doesn’t Form Properly

The crinkle is sensitive to three things: dough consistency, coating thickness, and oven temperature.

The Double Roll is Key: You must roll in granulated sugar first, then aggressively coat in powdered sugar. The powdered sugar must be thick enough to resist melting immediately but thin enough to crack when the cookie expands.
Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is accurately set to 350°F. If the heat is too low, the cookie will spread slowly and the sugar won’t crack.

3. The Cookies Are Dry

This is usually a result of overbaking. Remember: 10-12 minutes is standard. They should look slightly soft in the center when removed. They will firm up as they cool. Also, ensure you used unsulfured molasses, which contributes significantly to moisture retention.

Ingredient Alternatives and Variations

You can adapt these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies to meet various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Crinkles

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality, 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. You might notice the dough is slightly stickier, so increase the chilling time to 4 hours or more to compensate for the different hydration properties of the flour blend. The baking time generally remains the same.

Vegan Gingerbread Crinkles

Achieving a vegan version is relatively simple:

Butter Substitute: Use 1 cup of high-quality, plant-based stick butter (ensure it has a high fat content).
Egg Substitute: Replace the large egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set aside for 5 minutes until gelled) or a commercial egg replacer. This will slightly alter the structure but maintain the moisture required for the chewy texture.

Spiced Variations

If you prefer an even deeper, more complex flavor, consider adding:

Black Pepper: A tiny pinch (1/8 teaspoon) of finely ground black pepper in the dry mix provides a subtle, sophisticated heat that complements the ginger perfectly.
Orange Zest: Adding 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest along with the wet ingredients brightens the heavy spice profile beautifully, offering a burst of citrus that is traditional in many holiday bakes.

These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are robust enough to handle minor variations, but always respect the chilling time and the double-roll coating process for that signature holiday look.

Nutritional Insights and the Benefits of Spices in Your Holiday Baking

While holiday baking is often viewed purely as an indulgence, these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies actually deliver notable nutritional value through their robust spice blend and use of molasses. Understanding the macros can help you appreciate this treat even more.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on exact measurements and the brand of ingredients used. This estimate assumes a consistent 1-tablespoon dough ball size.

Component	Estimated Value (Per Cookie)
Calories	120-140 kcal
Total Fat	6-7 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Total Carbohydrates	18-20 g
Sugars	12-14 g
Protein	1 g

As expected for a classic cookie, the Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are primarily a source of carbohydrates and fats, providing quick energy and satiation. However, the molasses adds a layer of micronutrient benefit often missing in simple sugar cookies.

The Unsung Benefits of Molasses and Spices

Molasses: The Sweetener with Minerals

Unlike refined white sugar, unsulfured molasses contains trace minerals leftover from the sugar cane processing. While it is still a form of sugar, it offers small amounts of iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. In particular, molasses is a decent source of iron, contributing a slight mineral boost to your holiday treat.

The Power of Spices

The core flavor of the Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies comes from the potent combination of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. These aren’t just for flavor; they are packed with health benefits:

Ginger: Widely known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Ginger contains gingerol, which has traditionally been used to aid digestion and soothe upset stomachs a helpful benefit amidst holiday feasting!
Cinnamon: This spice is famous for its powerful antioxidant properties, rivaling many superfoods. Some studies suggest cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels, though the quantities used in baking are small.
Cloves and Nutmeg: Both contain active compounds that provide antioxidants and contribute to the warm, comforting aroma that can have mood-boosting effects.

Incorporating these highly spiced foods into your holiday routine means you’re getting a small but steady dose of beneficial compounds. Enjoy your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies knowing that you are consuming ingredients that have been valued for centuries, not just for their taste, but also for their subtle natural benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

How do you get the best crinkle on gingerbread cookies?

The best crinkle effect on Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is achieved through two essential steps: mandatory dough chilling (3+ hours) and a generous double-roll in sugar. First, roll the chilled dough in granulated sugar, which helps the powdered sugar stick. Second, coat the ball completely and thickly in powdered sugar, ensuring none of the dark dough is showing. This thick, outer layer cracks when the cookie rapidly expands during baking, creating the signature crinkle pattern.

Why is chilling the dough so important for gingerbread crinkles?

Chilling the dough is crucial for three reasons. It solidifies the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too quickly in the oven, thus forcing the surface to crack. It also allows the flour to fully hydrate, leading to a much softer, chewier final texture. Finally, the long chill time allows the intense ginger, clove, and cinnamon spices to ‘bloom’ and intensify, maximizing the rich flavor profile of these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.

It is strongly advised to use unsulfured molasses, as specified in the recipe for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. Blackstrap molasses is significantly darker, thicker, and has a much more robust, slightly bitter flavor that can easily overpower the delicate balance of the spices. Using unsulfured molasses ensures the cookies remain sweet, chewy, and spiced without tasting acrid.

How long do gingerbread crinkle cookies stay soft?

Thanks to the hygroscopic properties of molasses, these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies retain their moisture exceptionally well. When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will remain wonderfully soft and chewy for up to 5 days. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to three months; simply thaw them overnight at room temperature before serving.

What causes gingerbread cookies to be too hard?

The primary cause of hard gingerbread cookies is overbaking. These crinkles should be removed from the oven when their centers still look slightly soft and the edges are just set. Other factors include overmixing the dough after the flour is added, which develops too much gluten, or inaccurate measurements leading to too much dry ingredient.

Conclusion: The Irresistible Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

The journey to creating these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is one of patience and great reward. From the mixing bowl, where the fragrant spices first meet the rich molasses, to the thrilling moment the snowy white dough balls crack open in the oven, revealing their deep, chewy interior, this recipe is a holiday tradition waiting to happen. We’ve covered every detail from the crucial 3-hour chill time that locks in flavor and shape, to the specific dual-coating technique necessary for the dramatic crinkle effect.

These cookies offer the best of both worlds: the comforting, nostalgic taste of classic gingerbread, combined with the incredibly appealing texture of a molasses-rich, chewy crinkle cookie. Whether you are hosting a festive party, contributing to a massive cookie platter, or simply stocking your own pantry for cozy winter evenings, these cookies deliver on every promise: intense spice, perfect softness, and stunning presentation.

If you’re already in a festive baking mood, consider pairing these with a classic seasonal beverage like Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. But for pure gingerbread goodness, these crinkles are the undisputed champion.

Don’t wait until the last minute mix up this dough today, let those spices bloom overnight, and tomorrow morning you can fill your home with the unmatched aroma of truly Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. Bake a batch, savor the warmth, and share the joy! We love seeing your baking success, so if you try this recipe, please leave a comment below or share your photos. Happy baking!