Easy Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: A Comforting Recipe

Hey there, fellow comfort seekers! It’s Beatriz from MommiesMore, and today we’re diving headfirst into a batch of warm, spiced goodness: Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. There’s something magical about these cookies, isn’t there? The way they crackle on top, the warm gingerbread scent that fills your kitchen… it’s pure comfort in every bite.

I remember the first time I attempted Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. It was a few years back, right before Christmas, and I was determined to make something extra special for my kids. I found a recipe online, and honestly, it looked intimidating. All those spices! The chilling time! But I took a deep breath, put on some Christmas music, and dove in. The kids loved them. This is one recipe that became a holiday tradition ever since.

The reaction I got from my family when I first made Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies was priceless! My youngest, who’s usually a picky eater, devoured three in a row. My oldest declared them “the best cookies ever.” It was a dinnertime win! Ever since, I’ve been tweaking the recipe to make it even simpler and more comforting for my busy family. Now, this recipe is one of my go to’s during the holidays.

But the best part? These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are surprisingly easy to make, even for the most overwhelmed moms. Trust me; if I can do it amidst the cozy chaos of my kitchen, you can too! So grab your aprons, and let’s get baking! I’m here to share my sanity-saving version of this classic treat, because every family deserves a little bit of simple comfort, especially during the holidays.

Here’s what you’ll need to create these little bites of comfort:

• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Butter is key for that rich flavor and tender crumb in our Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and that signature crinkle top.
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a deeper molasses flavor that complements the spices perfectly in our Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.
• 1/4 cup molasses: The star of the show! It gives these cookies their classic gingerbread taste. If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with dark corn syrup, but molasses gives these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies the most authentic flavor.
• 1 large egg: To bind everything together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our cookie dough. You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store, ensuring you don’t need a fancy trip for these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger: For that warm, spicy kick!
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a touch of sweetness and warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way, adding depth and complexity.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Another layer of warmth and spice. These spices make up what you need for Spiced Crinkle Cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and create that signature crinkle.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for coating: The finishing touch that makes these cookies so beautiful and delicious.

Trust me, this Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! No worries if you don’t have quite enough molasses – I sometimes add a tablespoon of honey for extra comfort in my Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. This Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are comfort food that is good for your budget! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store!

Alright, fellow comfort creators, let’s get baking! Here’s how to turn those simple ingredients into delicious Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies:

1. Cream together butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. My family gets extra comfort when I add this step!
2. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a little curdled at this point – it will all come together!
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! While the Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies dough is chilling, this is the perfect time to clear the counters and wash dishes!
6. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Shape the cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. This recipe makes about 24-30 cookies, depending on the size.
8. Coat in powdered sugar: Roll each ball in powdered sugar, making sure to coat it generously. This is what creates that beautiful crinkled effect!
9. Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are cracked. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies – learn from my experience! When I first started making these cookies, I would leave them in for too long. This resulted in crunchy cookies that were not as delicious!
10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies should smell amazing by now! While your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!

In my busy kitchen, this comforting Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies usually takes about 20 minutes to prep and 8-10 minutes to bake. Here’s a Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: involve the kids in rolling the dough into balls and coating them in powdered sugar. They love it! Don’t worry if your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies looks a little uneven or imperfect – that’s part of their charm! These cookies are meant to be rustic and comforting.

Okay, so you’ve baked a batch of these gorgeous Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies… now what? Here’s how we love to enjoy them in our family:

• With a glass of milk: A classic pairing! The creamy milk complements the warm spices perfectly.
• Alongside a cup of hot cocoa: For the ultimate cozy experience, especially on a cold winter night. This makes the perfect combination!
• As part of a holiday cookie platter: These Christmas Crinkle Cookies add a touch of festive cheer to any gathering.
• Packed in school lunches: A sweet treat that the kids will love. The kids devour this comforting Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies when I pack it with a ham and cheese sandwich and carrots.
• As an after-school snack: A warm and comforting way to welcome the kids home.

These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! The perfect occasions for these Holiday Crinkle Cookies would be a Christmas party or a simple Christmas Eve gathering! This Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies reminds me of another family favorite, my Halloween Crinkle Cookies!

If you have any leftover Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies (which is rare in our house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re still delicious the next day! For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out my recipe for carrot cake oatmeal cookies.

Okay, fellow moms, I know you’ve got questions! Here are some common concerns I’ve heard about these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, and my best advice for making them a success in your own cozy chaos:

• Is this Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The butter, molasses, and flour provide a good source of energy. Plus, you can always pair them with a glass of milk or a side of fruit for a more complete snack. My family says that Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies and milk is the perfect after school snack.
• What if my picky eater won’t try this Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies? Don’t give up! Start by letting them help you make the cookies. Kids are often more willing to try something they’ve helped create. You can also try offering them a small bite with a dip, like yogurt or cream cheese.
• Can I meal prep this Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies for busy weeks ahead? Yes! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.
• Can I use a different type of sugar? While granulated sugar is best for the crinkled top, you can experiment with other types of sugar in the dough. Brown sugar will add a deeper molasses flavor, while coconut sugar will give the cookies a slightly caramel-like taste.
• What if my cookies spread too much? This usually happens when the dough is not chilled enough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of flour to the dough if it seems too wet.
• Can I add chocolate chips? Absolutely! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition to these cookies. I would recommend using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to balance the sweetness.
• I don’t have all the spices. Can I still make these? Yes! While the spices are what give these cookies their signature gingerbread flavor, you can still make them with just ginger and cinnamon. Or, you can use a pre-made gingerbread spice blend.

This comforting Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies reminds me of another family favorite, my Gingerbread Cookies! I found some ideas for other variations on Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies from Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons, if you want to try some!

These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a way to bring warmth, comfort, and joy to your family, even amidst the cozy chaos of everyday life. These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies fit perfectly into my family comfort needs because they are easy to make and they taste delicious!

Here are my Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Comfort Hacks:

• Involve the kids: Let them help with measuring, mixing, and rolling the dough. It’s a fun way to spend time together and create lasting memories.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Add your own personal touch to the recipe! Try different spices, extracts, or mix-ins.
• Make a double batch: These cookies are so good, they won’t last long! Plus, they make a great gift for friends and neighbors.

Here are some family-tested Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies variations:

• Chocolate Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. My oldest loves this version! Here’s one like my chocolate version at Chocolate Ginger Crinkle Cookies – Pastry Affair.
• Lemon Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the wet ingredients. My youngest prefers this version!
• Spiced Molasses Crinkle Cookies: Substitute honey for the molasses to add more sweetness!

I hope you and your family enjoy these simple Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies as much as we do! Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about creating moments of connection and comfort around the table. Go ahead, give these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies a try – your family will thank you! These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies remind me of another family favorite, those I found at Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies – If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen!