Transform classic gingerbread flavors into beautiful crinkle cookies that are perfect for holiday baking. These cookies combine warm spices with a striking crackled appearance, creating treats that are as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of molasses and warm spices creates the perfect gingerbread flavor, while rolling the cookies in powdered sugar before baking creates dramatic cracks as they spread. The result is a soft, chewy cookie with a beautiful snow-like finish.

Essential Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Rolling:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Required Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Small cookie scoop
• Wire cooling rack
• Small bowls for sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Mix dry ingredients:

• Whisk flour, spices
• Add baking soda, salt
• Set aside

1. Cream wet ingredients:

• Beat butter and brown sugar
• Add egg and molasses
• Mix in vanilla
• Beat until smooth

1. Combine mixtures:

• Add dry to wet gradually
• Mix until just combined
• Don’t overmix
• Chill 2 hours

Shaping and Baking

1. Prepare for baking:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Line baking sheets
• Set up rolling sugars

1. Form cookies:

• Scoop 1-inch balls
• Roll in granulated sugar
• Then in powdered sugar
• Place on sheets

1. Bake:

• Space cookies 2 inches apart
• Bake 12-14 minutes
• Edges should be set
• Centers still soft

Pro Tips for Success

1. Dough Tips:

• Chill thoroughly
• Use room temp butter
• Don’t skip chilling
• Keep dough cold

1. Rolling Tips:

• Use plenty of sugar
• Roll thoroughly
• Work quickly
• Keep hands clean

1. Baking Advice:

• Don’t overbake
• Rotate sheets
• Watch carefully
• Cool properly

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead Options:

• Prepare dough ahead
• Freeze shaped cookies
• Mix dry ingredients
• Store properly

Storage Guidelines:

• Room temperature: 5 days
• Freeze baked: 3 months
• Freeze dough: 2 months
• Airtight container

Variations and Adaptations

Spice Levels:

• Extra ginger
• More cinnamon
• Add cardamom
• Increase cloves

Texture Options:

• Add chopped nuts
• Include crystallized ginger
• Drizzle with glaze
• Sandwich pairs

Holiday Touches:

• Orange zest
• White chocolate chips
• Colored sugar
• Festive sprinkles

Troubleshooting Tips

Common Issues:

• Not cracking: Too thick
• Spreading too much: Too warm
• No white coating: Not enough sugar
• Too hard: Overbaked

Prevention Tips:

• Chill adequately
• Roll generously
• Watch timing
• Check oven temp

Special Occasion Ideas

Holiday Gifting:

• Cookie boxes
• Mason jars
• Gift bags
• Cookie platters

Decorative Options:

• Ribbon ties
• Holiday tags
• Festive containers
• Custom packaging

These Easy Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or anytime you want to share the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread in a beautiful package. Their striking appearance and delicious taste make them a standout addition to any cookie collection.