What ingredients give gingerbread crinkle cookies their chewy texture?

The chewiness in gingerbread crinkle cookies mainly comes from brown sugar and molasses, which add moisture and richness. Using these along with holiday spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates the signature flavor. Additionally, chilling the dough before baking helps maintain thickness and chewiness by preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

How do you create the crackled sugar coating on gingerbread crinkle cookies?

To achieve the classic crackled look, the cookie dough balls are rolled first in granulated sugar and then in powdered sugar. The granulated sugar adds a slight crunch, while the powdered sugar sticks to the dough and creates the white cracks as the cookies expand during baking. This two-step coating also helps the sugar stay in place throughout baking.

Can I prepare gingerbread crinkle cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough three to four days in advance and store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. For longer storage up to a month, freeze the dough. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge to keep it cold before shaping. Chilling the dough is key to easier handling and better cookie texture.

Are gingerbread crinkle cookies egg-free, and can I make them gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally egg-free, making it suitable for those avoiding eggs. For gluten-free options, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which typically yields good texture and flavor results similar to the original. Always check that your gluten-free flour includes xanthan gum or a binder for best results.

How should I store gingerbread crinkle cookies to keep them soft and fresh?

Store baked gingerbread crinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They are best enjoyed within one to two days when freshest and softer. Avoid freezing baked cookies, as freezing can make them lose softness and damage the sugar coating. Instead, freeze the dough if you want to preserve freshness for longer periods.

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe With Soft Texture And Spices

Name: Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 2 h 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: PT-490834H52M36S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup (150 g) packed dark brown sugar; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 12 tablespoons (170 g or 1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened but still cool, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 3/4 cup (180 ml) unsulphured molasses (not blackstrap); 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (60 g) confectioners’ sugar

Description

🍪 Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies bring a warm blend of rich spices that perfectly complement their soft, chewy texture.
❄️ These cookies offer a delightful crinkled appearance and a comforting taste perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour

3/4 cup (150 g) packed dark brown sugar

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

12 tablespoons (170 g or 1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened but still cool, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

3/4 cup (180 ml) unsulphured molasses (not blackstrap)

2 tablespoons milk

1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar

1/2 cup (60 g) confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

1-Getting started with gingerbread crinkle cookies is fun and rewarding: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step sets the stage for even baking and that iconic crinkle top.

2-Next, in a large bowl, use an electric mixer on low speed to combine the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until well mixed. Add the butter cubes and mix at medium-low speed until the mixture looks sandy. Gradually incorporate the molasses and milk at low speed, then increase to medium until the dough is smooth and combined.

3-Once mixed, transfer the dough to a work surface, divide it in half, and shape each into a disk about 6 inches wide. Wrap in plastic and chill in the freezer for 20-30 minutes or the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape and develop flavors, leading to chewier cookies. For more inspiration on chilling techniques, explore creative cheesecake cookie ideas that use similar methods.

4-After chilling, preheat your oven if you haven’t already. Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and coat each in granulated sugar followed by confectioners’ sugar for that signature crinkle. Place them 1 inch apart on your prepared sheets.

5-Bake for 10-12 minutes until the centers are set but still soft. Let them cool on the sheets for 2 minutes before moving to a wire rack. This process, from prep to bake, takes about 40 minutes plus chilling, making it ideal for busy schedules. The result? Cookies that are soft, spicy, and full of character.

Notes

❄️ Chilling the dough ensures chewy cookies and retains thickness during baking.
✨ Rolling dough balls in both granulated and powdered sugar creates the classic crinkle cookie texture and appearance.
🧊 If dough softens too much during rolling, refrigerate the balls for about 10 minutes before baking.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 90 calories
Sugar: 8 grams
Sodium: 75 mg
Fat: 3 grams
Saturated Fat: 2 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 1 gram
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 14 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Protein: 1 gram
Cholesterol: 5 mg

Keywords: gingerbread cookies, crinkle cookies, spiced cookies, holiday cookies