
Classic gingerbread meets soft cookie perfection in these irresistible crinkle cookies. Each bite features a tender, spiced interior wrapped in a delicate powdered sugar shell. The signature crackled surface creates an eye-catching design that makes these cookies as beautiful as they are delicious.
This cherished cookie recipe emerged from countless test batches during holiday baking season. The dramatic contrast between the snowy powdered sugar coating and rich spiced dough continues to delight both family and guests, making these cookies a seasonal favorite.
Key Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: Premium European-style butter provides ideal fat content for texture
- Dark Brown Sugar: Creates deep molasses notes and retains moisture
- Molasses: Standard variety adds color and chewiness
- All-Purpose Flour: Spoon into measuring cups for accurate amounts
- Ground Spices: Use fresh, aromatic spices for best flavor
- Confectioners Sugar: Sift before using to ensure smooth coating
Baking Method
- Initial Mixing
- Allow butter to soften naturally before beginning. Cream until light, then blend in sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg and molasses carefully. Combine spices separately for even distribution.
- Dough Development
- Incorporate flour gradually just until combined. Dough should hold shape while remaining pliable. Chill thoroughly wrapped.
- Cookie Formation
- Work with chilled dough to form uniform balls. Coat thoroughly in sugar layers. Arrange with space for spreading.

The aroma of these cookies fills the kitchen with memories of traditional holiday baking. Each batch connects past and present, creating a bridge between cherished family recipes and new traditions.
Perfect cooling technique ensures ideal texture. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet briefly before transferring. This step develops the characteristic crackled surface while maintaining tenderness.

These cookies remain a treasured holiday staple, delivering consistent joy with each batch. Their perfect balance of spices and tender crumb creates an enduring seasonal favorite worth passing down through generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Do I need to chill the dough?
- Yep, it keeps the cookies from spreading and makes the powdered sugar stick better.
- → Can the dough be frozen?
- For sure! Shape into balls and freeze for up to 3 months. Roll in sugar just before baking.
- → What if my cookies don’t crackle?
- Be sure the dough is really cold, and coat each piece generously in powdered sugar.
- → How should I store the cookies?
- Use an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to five days.
- → Can I tweak the spices?
- Absolutely! Add more or less ginger, cinnamon, or nutmeg to suit your taste.