These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect harmony of light and fluffy on the inside with a slightly crisp outside. It’s a perfect treat to leave out for Santa Claus or bring to your next holiday party!
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As I write this, it’s November 15th – and my husband and I continue to have the debate of when the Christmas vibes should start. I’m on team “November 1st” and he is on team “the day after Thanksgiving”. I am not allowed to put up the tree yet, but I hear no complaints when I make him Gingerbread anything. So that is my little way to start incorporating Christmas vibes earlier in the season. Lucky for me, I have this food blog as the excuse for why I am making Christmas desserts in October and November.
Today, we are tackling crinkle cookies. We will cover what makes them crinkle, how to store them, and why you shouldn’t skip the chilling step. This recipe is super easy to make and would be a great activity to do with kids! Honestly, this recipe is so simple you probably already have all of the ingredients you need in your pantry. It doesn’t get any better than that!
In this recipe, I use my salt-free, sugar-free Gingerbread spice blend from my spice company – The Spice Girl Kitchen. I’m biased because it is, after all, my spice recipe and the best salt-free, sugar-free Gingerbread seasoning on the market. But you can always swap this for plain cinnamon or come up with a Gingerbread spice blend at home!
This post is all about Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies!
What Makes Them Crinkle?
Let’s all say a big ‘thank you’ to the magic of baking soda for its beautiful work within a crinkle cookie recipe. When baking soda encounters acidic components within the recipe, it releases carbon dioxide. As these cookies take a trip to the oven, this gas becomes trapped, prompting the dough to rise and expand. The outer layer sets while the interior keeps on rising, creating the distinctive crinkles that make these treats visually appealing. So, when you marvel at the charming cracks on the surface of your crinkle cookies, it’s the chemistry of baking soda at play, orchestrating a delightful dance of texture and taste in every bite.
Why You Shouldn’t Skip The Chilling Step
I know it’s tempting to skip the chill step and throw the cookies straight into the oven, but if we dive a little deeper into the science behind the chill you will see why we shouldn’t skip it. Chilling crinkle cookie dough serves multiple crucial roles in the baking process, let’s go over them:
Solidify the fats
Firstly, it allows the fats in the dough, like butter, to solidify. This is significant because cold fats take longer to melt in the oven, resulting in cookies with a better structure and less spreading during baking.
Dough Consistency
The chilling step also helps control the consistency of the dough. By firming up the mixture, the dough becomes less sticky and more manageable. This makes it easier to shape into balls before baking.
Flavor Enhancement
Additionally, chilling enhances the flavors as the ingredients meld over time, contributing to a richer taste in the final product. Overall, the 30-minute chill is a strategic pause that aligns the ingredients, firms up the structure, and ensures a more controlled and delicious crinkle cookie outcome.
Equipment Needs
Here is a breakdown of everything you need for this recipe (click on the links below to shop my recommendations):
- a stand mixer with paddle attachment OR a handheld electric mixer
- measuring cups and spoons set
- cookie scoop (optional but they can help create even dough balls)
- cookie sheet (for baking)
- cooling rack
That’s it!
You Might Also Like
If you like this recipe, you will also like:
- Gingerbread Popcorn
- Gingerbread Smoothie
- Gingerbread Banana Bread
- Gingerbread Overnight Oats
- Gingerbread Monkey Bread
- Gingerbread Energy Bites
- Skinny Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
OR click here for the entire Gingerbread category!
Storage Information
Store
Room Temperature: Transfer the cookies to a large glass storage container with an airtight lid or a resealable bag. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Fridge: Transfer the cookies to a large glass storage container with an airtight lid or a resealable bag. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months!
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 sticks butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Gingerbread Spice
- 1 pinch The Spice Girl Kitchen Tri-Salt Blend
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, for rolling plus more for additional dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on a medium setting, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth (about 3 minutes).
- Mix in the egg and maple syrup until combined.
- Add the flour, baking soda, Gingerbread spice, and salt. Mix on a low setting for a few seconds before bumping the speed up to a medium setting to avoid making a mess. Mix on a medium speed until the flour is just mixed in, do not overmix.
- Transfer dough to the fridge for about 30 minutes (this helps the dough be less sticky when you go to handle it).
- Preheat the oven to 375 ℉. In a large bowl, add the powdered sugar. After chilling, divide the dough into about 20 dough balls. Generously coat each dough ball with powdered sugar and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest for about 3-5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to complete the cooling. Enjoy!
Notes
Storage Information
Store
Room Temperature: Transfer the cookies to a large glass storage container with an airtight lid or a resealable bag. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Fridge: Transfer the cookies to a large glass storage container with an airtight lid or a resealable bag. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Freezer: You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months!There you have it, the perfect cookie recipe to bring to your next holiday party! You can put them in clear little bags with bows to give out as favors or even mix up the cookies you make for Santa Claus. Honestly, I can’t wait to make these cookies for Santa Claus one day with my kids!
This post was all about Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies!
Did you make this recipe? Make sure to tag me @thespicegirlkitchen_ on Instagram or @thespicegirlkitchen on TikTok! I love seeing your recreations! I will be your ultimate hype woman!
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