Ginger Cookie Recipes
This page brings together three old-fashioned ginger cookie favorites—crackly Ginger Crinkles rolled in sugar, soft Ginger Creams with a deep molasses flavor, and a tender Soft Ginger Cookie that can be left plain or finished with a little jelly.
Use the jump links below to choose your style. Most bake at 350°F, with quick bake times that make these perfect for holiday trays, cookie swaps, and cozy afternoon snacks.
Recipes on this page
Use the links below to jump directly to each cookies recipe.
Ginger Crinkles
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 cups sifted flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix ingredients in the order listed until smooth.
- Chill dough for 1 hour.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and dip in granulated sugar.
- Bake 8–10 minutes. Makes about 4 dozen.
Total Cook Time - 8 to 10 minutes
Equipment - cookie pan
Servings - 4 dozen
Ginger Creams
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 4 cups flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
- Drop by teaspoon onto a baking sheet and flatten/round slightly with a spoon.
- Optional: add a little jelly in the center or sprinkle tops with sugar.
- Bake 10–15 minutes. Makes about 24 cookies.
Total Cook Time - 10 to 15 minutes
Equipment - baking sheet
Servings - 24
Soft Ginger Cookie
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk (with 2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in it)
- 4 1/2 cups sifted flour
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup molasses
- Jelly (optional, for centers)
- Sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Dissolve baking soda in the milk.
- Cream sugar and shortening; beat in egg, molasses, and the milk mixture.
- Sift dry ingredients together, then mix into the wet ingredients until dough forms.
- Chill overnight. Form small balls, place on a greased cookie sheet, and press slightly.
- Optional: indent centers, add a bit of jelly, sprinkle with sugar, and bake 10–12 minutes. Remove from sheet immediately.
Total Cook Time - 10 to 12 minutes
Equipment - cookie sheet
Servings - 4 dozen
Ginger Cookie FAQ
What’s the difference between Ginger Crinkles and Soft Ginger Cookies?
Ginger Crinkles are rolled in sugar and baked quickly for a crackly top. Soft Ginger Cookies are chilled longer and bake up softer, and can be filled with a little jelly if you like.
Can I skip chilling the Ginger Crinkles dough?
Chilling helps the dough hold its shape and improves the crinkle effect. If you skip it, the cookies may spread more.
Do I need to add jelly to the Soft Ginger Cookies?
No. The jelly center is optional—these cookies are good plain, sprinkled with sugar, or filled.