Save to Pinterest Soft, fudgy cookies with a festive blend of rich cocoa, warm gingerbread spices, and a beautiful crackled powdered sugar finish are perfect for holiday treats or cozy winter afternoons.
I first made these cookies for a winter family gathering, and they disappeared faster than any dessert I've ever brought. Their irresistible aroma fills the house, making the baking process just as delightful as the final bite.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 2/3 cups (210 g)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/2 cup (45 g)
- Ground ginger: 1 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
- Baking powder: 1 1/2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1/2 cup (115 g)
- Light brown sugar, packed: 3/4 cup (150 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g)
- Large egg: 1
- Unsulphured molasses: 1/4 cup (85 g)
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Powdered sugar (for coating): 1/2 cup (60 g)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add wet ingredients:
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix dry into wet:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Chill dough:
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours) to firm up.
- Prep oven and sheets:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape cookies:
- Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough and roll into balls (about 1–1.5 inches).
- Coat in powdered sugar:
- Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat.
- Arrange and bake:
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 11–13 minutes, until cookies are puffed and crackled but still soft in the center.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow cookies to cool on the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save to Pinterest My kids love helping with the powdered sugar coating—it makes the kitchen a little messy, but adds extra fun to our holiday traditions.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, rubber spatula, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter); always check labels for possible hidden allergens if you're sensitive or baking for others.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie: 105 calories, 3.5 g total fat, 18 g carbohydrates, 1.5 g protein
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these cookies fresh or store them for later—they're always a cozy treat for sharing and gifting.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What gives these cookies their crackled appearance?
Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking causes the sugar to crack as the cookies spread and rise, creating the signature crackled look.
- → Can I substitute molasses in the dough?
Yes, golden syrup can be used for a milder sweetness while maintaining moisture and texture.
- → Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling firms the dough, prevents excessive spreading, and helps develop richer flavors and a soft center.
- → What spices are included in the blend?
Aromatic ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg combine to create the warm gingerbread flavor.
- → How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to five days.
- → Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they contain no meat products and use ingredients acceptable in a vegetarian diet.