If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, spiced cookie that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend. These delightfully soft, molasses-infused cookies have that perfect crinkle effect dusted with powdered sugar, creating a visual and taste sensation you’ll want to make again and again. With rich notes of ginger and just the right touch of sweetness, these cookies are a festive staple and a quick, fuss-free treat that will easily steal the spotlight at any gathering or quiet night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe perfect is all about using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays a key role, from the spice cake mix that forms the tender cookie base to the molasses that brings depth and that classic gingerbread taste.
- Spice cake mix, 15.25 ounces: A convenient base that combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices to infuse the cookies with cozy flavor.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind the batter together and help the cookies achieve a soft, chewy texture.
- Molasses, 3 tablespoons: The star ingredient that delivers rich sweetness and that unmistakable gingerbread essence.
- Vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons: Keeps the cookies moist and tender without overpowering the spices.
- Ground ginger, 1 ½ teaspoons: Intensifies the gingery warmth for that perfect spice balance.
- Pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Adds a subtle sweet aroma enhancing all the other flavors.
- Powdered sugar, ⅓ cup: Used to coat the dough balls, giving the iconic crinkled look once baked.
How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly, setting the stage for delicious results.
Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl or using your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the spice cake mix, eggs, molasses, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and ground ginger. Blend everything together until a sticky, homogenous dough forms. This step is crucial because the sticky dough is what creates the iconic chewy texture and spice balance we love in gingerbread crinkle cookies.
Step 3: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Using a medium cookie scoop or two spoons, drop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough into the powdered sugar. Roll each sticky dough ball gently between your palms to form a smooth ball, then coat it generously in the powdered sugar. This coating will crack and crinkle beautifully when baked, giving your cookies that festive look.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the sugar-coated dough balls roughly two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, watching for the bottoms to set while the centers still look slightly underbaked. This keeps the cookies soft inside with a delicate outer shell. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, try dusting the cookies with a little extra powdered sugar right before serving. You could also sprinkle some finely chopped crystallized ginger on top for a zingy contrast or drizzle a bit of white chocolate for a sweet, creamy finish.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming mug of spiced chai tea, hot cocoa, or even a frothy latte. Serve alongside fresh fruit slices like oranges or pears to balance the warm spices with refreshing brightness. They also work great on a dessert platter with homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or holiday-themed napkins to showcase their charm. Stack them in clear jars tied with ribbon as delightful gifts, or sandwich them with cream cheese frosting for an irresistible holiday cookie sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your gingerbread crinkle cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy these little bites of joy well after baking day.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by first arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, they maintain their shape and freshness for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
If you prefer your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe warm, gently reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their softness and revives those lovely spicy aromas, making each bite feel just baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for these cookies?
Yes, you can experiment with other spice-flavored cake mixes, but keep in mind that the spice cake mix best complements the ginger and molasses flavors that define this recipe.
Why do the cookies need to look slightly undercooked in the center?
This ensures the cookies remain soft and chewy inside rather than turning hard or crunchy, which is perfect for the Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe texture.
Can I substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup?
Molasses is key for the deep, robust gingerbread flavor, but in a pinch, you could try dark honey or maple syrup. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to my hands?
Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar helps prevent stickiness. You can also lightly grease your hands or use a cookie scoop to handle the dough with less mess.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Absolutely! These crinkle cookies look beautiful, travel well, and make a thoughtful homemade gift that’s sure to impress friends and family.
Final Thoughts
Nothing quite captures the spirit of cozy baking like this Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, soft, and festive all in one bite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, these cookies deliver warmth and smiles with every batch. I can’t wait for you to try them and share this charming recipe with your loved ones — it’s truly a classic worth keeping close to your heart and recipe box.
Print
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies combine the warm, spicy flavors of ginger and molasses with the convenience of a spice cake mix base. They are quick to prepare, featuring a soft, chewy texture with a festive powdered sugar coating, making them a perfect treat for the holiday season or any time you crave that classic gingerbread taste.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box spice cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to ensure cookies do not stick and bake evenly.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend together the spice cake mix, eggs, molasses, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and ground ginger until the mixture is uniform and well combined.
- Coat dough balls: Pour the powdered sugar into a medium bowl. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons) or two spoons, scoop out sticky portions of dough and roll them in the powdered sugar until fully coated. Then gently roll each coated portion between your palms to form smooth balls.
- Arrange for baking: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced about two inches apart to allow room for spreading without sticking.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes. The cookies will have firm bottoms but the centers may still appear slightly undercooked, which is normal for a soft interior.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies set properly without breaking apart.
Notes
- The dough will be sticky; coating with powdered sugar helps handle and shape the dough with ease.
- The cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center when done; this ensures a soft and chewy texture once cooled.
- Spacing dough balls two inches apart allows the cookies to spread without merging together during baking.
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer speeds up blending but mixing by hand is also possible.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
