Ginger Crinkles

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 48 Cuisine: American

Ginger Crinkles are spicy, aromatic cookies with warm ginger and cinnamon flavors, perfect for holiday treats or cozy gatherings with a crisp exterior and chewy center.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup shortening
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Stir together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  2. Combine the remaining ingredients (brown sugar, shortening, molasses, egg) and beat well.
  3. Add the dry ingredients to the beaten mixture, beating well.
  4. Form 1-inch balls of dough and roll in granulated sugar.
  5. Place the balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  6. Bake in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the spiciness of your Ginger Crinkles, consider adding a bit more ground ginger or a dash of fresh grated ginger. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. For a twist, try rolling the dough balls in a mix of sugar and crushed nuts before baking. These cookies can also be adapted into a Candy Cookie variation by adding chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions

These Ginger Crinkles are delightful on their own but also pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Grandma'S Christmas Roll Out Cookies during the holiday season. Consider offering a side of Old Fashioned Lemon Sauce for dipping to balance the spices with a tangy flavor, making for an impressive dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Ginger Crinkles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ginger Crinkles contains roughly 83 calories, with 1g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

83 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.3g 3% DV
Total Fat 1g 1% DV
Carbs 17.8g 6% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 3.9g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 62.7mg 3% DV
Potassium 159.6mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 29mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 48.7mg 4% DV
Iron 1mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?

Yes, you can use fresh ginger! If substituting, use about 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for every teaspoon of ground ginger. Keep in mind that fresh ginger has a milder flavor, so you may want to adjust the quantity based on your preference.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will help firm up the dough and make it easier to roll into balls. Additionally, you can lightly flour your hands when forming the dough balls to prevent sticking.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Absolutely! To make Ginger Crinkles vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit to thicken) and replace the shortening with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Ensure that your brown sugar is also vegan.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →