Description
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies — soft, chewy holiday cookies rolled in sparkling sugar. Classic molasses and warm spices of ginger and cinnamon create nostalgic flavor perfect for Christmas cookie boxes, holiday baking, and gift tins. Easy to make with pantry staples: butter, brown sugar, molasses, and everyday spices. These crinkle cookies feature cracked, sugar-dusted tops and a tender, chewy center. Ideal for festive baking, holiday treats, and homemade gifts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Granulated or sanding sugar for rolling
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cloves or nutmeg, or 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and molasses; mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, and baking soda.
- Stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions into smooth dough balls.
- Coat each dough ball generously in granulated or sanding sugar.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until tops crack and edges set.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- For deeper crinkles, chill dough 15–30 minutes before rolling.
- Use coarse sanding sugar for extra sparkle and crunch.
- Freeze sugared dough balls for quick future baking; add 1–2 minutes to bake time.
- Do not overbake—remove when centers look slightly soft for the perfect chewy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10–12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: gingerbread, crinkle cookies, molasses cookies, holiday baking, Christmas cookies, sugar-coated cookies, festive dessert