Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies (Printable)

Chewy molasses-spiced cookies rolled in sugar for classic crinkle tops

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tsp baking soda
03 - 2 tsp ground ginger
04 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 tsp ground cloves
06 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
09 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
10 - 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ For Rolling

13 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
14 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar

# Steps:

01 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended.
02 - Beat butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - Incorporate molasses, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Beat until smooth and homogeneous.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
05 - Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough and roll each into a ball.
08 - Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then generously coat with powdered sugar until completely covered.
09 - Place sugar-coated balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
10 - Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies are set but still slightly soft in the center.
11 - Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The soft, chewy center with crisp edges creates the most irresistible texture contrast
  • They look stunning on holiday platters but come together with simple pantry ingredients
  • The spiced aroma fills your entire house, making even ordinary days feel festive
02 -
  • Chilling the dough is mandatory, warm dough will spread too thin and lose those signature cracks
  • The double sugar coating technique creates the crinkle effect, do not skip either sugar
  • Underbaking slightly ensures chewy centers, they continue cooking on the hot baking sheet
03 -
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizing, which ensures even baking and pretty presentation
  • Refresh dayold cookies with 10 seconds in the microwave to restore that justbaked softness

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