There are few aromas as instantly comforting as gingerbread baking in the oven. The warm scent of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves drifting through the kitchen signals that the holiday season has truly arrived. Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies for Christmas Baking capture that magic in one irresistible bite. Soft in the center, lightly crisp at the edges, and beautifully coated in powdered sugar, these cookies are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

Unlike traditional rolled gingerbread cookies that require chilling, cutting, and decorating, gingerbread crinkle cookies are wonderfully simple. They deliver all the classic holiday spice flavor without the extra fuss, making them ideal for busy December schedules, cookie swaps, and cozy family baking days.

This recipe creates cookies with deep, dramatic crinkles that crack open as they bake, revealing rich gingerbread color beneath a snowy sugar coating. Each bite balances sweetness with spice, softness with structure, and nostalgia with modern ease.

Whether you’re building a Christmas cookie box, hosting a festive gathering, or just craving a warm cookie with a mug of cocoa, these gingerbread crinkle cookies deserve a permanent place in your holiday baking lineup.

Why Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite

Gingerbread has been associated with winter celebrations for centuries, dating back to medieval Europe where spiced breads and cookies were prized for their warmth and shelf stability. Crinkle cookies, on the other hand, are a more modern classic—loved for their dramatic appearance and soft, brownie-like texture.

When these two traditions meet, the result is pure holiday perfection.

What makes gingerbread crinkle cookies special?

No rolling or cookie cutters required
Soft, chewy centers with tender edges
Bold holiday spices without overpowering sweetness
Stunning crinkled appearance with minimal effort
Perfect for gifting, parties, and Christmas dessert tables

These cookies also age beautifully. The spice flavors deepen after a day, making them even better on the second or third day—if they last that long.

Ingredients

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 for depth)
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.75 cup apple cider
Powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions

Preheat your 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 until evenly combined.
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the apple cider, mixing gently until a soft, slightly sticky batter forms.
Scoop dough into uniform balls using a cookie scoop.
Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Place dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until cookies are puffed, cracked, and just set in the centers.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Crinkles Every Time

Don’t skimp on powdered sugar: A thick coating ensures dramatic cracks.
Soft dough is key: The contrast between the moist interior and dry sugar coating creates the signature crinkle.
Avoid overbaking: The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when removed.
Use room-temperature butter: This ensures even mixing and a tender crumb.
Let flavors rest: These cookies taste even better the next day.

Flavor Variations to Try

Molasses boost: Add 1–2 tablespoons of molasses for deeper gingerbread flavor.
Orange zest: A touch of citrus brightens the spice profile.
Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle cooled cookies with dark chocolate for a modern twist.
Spiced sugar coating: Mix powdered sugar with a pinch of cinnamon or ginger.

Serving Suggestions

Gingerbread crinkle cookies pair beautifully with:

Hot cocoa or spiced chai
Eggnog or mulled wine
Vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert sandwich
Holiday cookie platters and gift boxes

They also make excellent edible gifts—stacked in clear bags or tins tied with ribbon.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Dough can be refrigerated overnight for deeper flavor development.

A Cozy Christmas Tradition in Every Bite

There’s something magical about baking gingerbread during the holidays. These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies for Christmas Baking capture everything we love about the season: warmth, comfort, tradition, and a little bit of sweetness shared with others.

They’re easy enough for beginner bakers, impressive enough for guests, and comforting enough to become a yearly tradition. Once you try them, they’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your Christmas recipe collection.

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies for Christmas Baking

Soft, spiced gingerbread crinkle cookies coated in powdered sugar, perfect for festive holiday baking.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 220