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Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: Soft, Spiced & Perfect for the Holidays
Few cookies capture the magic of the holiday season quite like Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. With their warm blend of spices, soft and chewy centers, and signature powdered sugar cracks, these cookies feel like Christmas wrapped in a bite-sized treat. They’re festive without being fussy, nostalgic yet modern, and perfect for everything from cookie swaps to cozy nights with a mug of tea.
Unlike traditional rolled gingerbread cookies that require chilling, cutting, and decorating, gingerbread crinkle cookies are wonderfully simple. You scoop the dough, roll it in powdered sugar, and let the oven do the rest. As they bake, the cookies spread and crack, revealing beautiful crinkles that look bakery-worthy with minimal effort.
This recipe creates cookies that are soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and packed with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. A splash of apple cider adds subtle depth and moisture, giving these cookies a unique twist while keeping them incredibly tender.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting homemade treats, or just craving something cozy, these soft gingerbread crinkle cookies deserve a permanent spot in your seasonal baking rotation.
Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Soft and chewy texture that stays tender for days
- Warm, cozy spices perfect for fall and winter
- No cookie cutters required
- Visually stunning with classic crinkle tops
- Easy to make ahead for parties or gifting
These cookies strike the perfect balance between bold gingerbread flavor and approachable sweetness, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Cookie Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp cloves (optional but recommended)
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.75 cup apple cider
Filling
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp cream or milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with apple cider, mixing just until a soft batter forms.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until cookies are set and lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool cookies completely on wire racks before filling.
- Beat softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add cream until smooth and spreadable.
- Sandwich cookies with filling if desired, or serve plain for classic crinkle cookies.
Texture & Flavor Breakdown
These cookies are designed to stay soft, not cakey. The brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while the apple cider enhances the spice blend without overpowering it. The powdered sugar coating creates that signature crackle, giving each cookie a festive, snow-dusted look.
The optional filling turns these into decadent sandwich cookies, perfect for special occasions or dessert platters.
Tips for Perfect Crinkle Cookies
- Don’t overbake: Slightly underbaked centers ensure softness.
- Cool completely before filling to prevent melting.
- Use fresh spices for maximum aroma and flavor.
- Sift powdered sugar for the cleanest crinkle effect.
Flavor Variations
- Extra Ginger Kick: Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger.
- Orange-Spiced Gingerbread: Add orange zest to the dough.
- Chocolate Gingerbread: Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with hot cocoa, chai, or spiced tea
- Add to holiday cookie trays
- Wrap in parchment and twine for gifting
- Stack on dessert tables for festive events
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freeze unbaked dough for up to 2 months
- Freeze baked cookies (unfilled) for up to 3 months
A Cozy Holiday Classic
Gingerbread has deep roots in holiday traditions across Europe and North America. These crinkle cookies modernize that heritage while keeping the flavors comforting and familiar. Their cracked tops symbolize warmth, generosity, and celebration—everything the holiday season represents.
If you’re looking for a cookie that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and fills your kitchen with the scent of spices, Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the answer.
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and chewy gingerbread crinkle cookies packed with warm spices and a festive powdered sugar finish.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with apple cider, until a soft batter forms.
- Drop batter onto baking sheets using a scoop, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until set and lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Beat softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla. Add cream to reach desired filling consistency.
- Sandwich cookies with filling, serve immediately or store in airtight container.
Notes
For extra crinkle effect, roll dough balls in powdered sugar before baking.
