Easy Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies with Cake Mix

Name: Easy Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies with Cake Mix
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 1 box spice cake mix; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup molasses; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup powdered sugar

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These easy gingerbread crinkle cookies with cake mix are the holiday treat you didn’t know you needed. Soft, chewy, and coated in snowy powdered sugar, these cookies are packed with warm spices and sweet molasses. Best of all, they come together in just a few simple steps using a box of spice cake mix. Whether you're baking for a cookie exchange, your family, or just craving something cozy with your coffee, this recipe is perfect for the season.

Stack of gingerbread crinkle cookies on cooling rack dusted with sugar

Right after the first batch, you’ll understand why these cookies are a repeat favorite every December in my kitchen. With a crackly top and a soft bite, they deliver all the gingerbread flavor you expect with a fraction of the effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients and Substitutions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tips for Success
How to Serve These Cookies
Storing and Freezing Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Easy Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies with Cake Mix

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy for Busy Bakers

Using cake mix means fewer ingredients and less measuring. You’ll only need one bowl, a handful of pantry staples, and about 40 minutes from start to finish. No special equipment, no chilling overnight, and no fancy decorating required.

Soft, Chewy, and Crinkled to Perfection

These cookies bake up with a beautiful crinkle on the outside and stay tender and moist in the center. Each bite bursts with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, making them irresistibly rich in flavor.

Kid-Friendly and Holiday Ready

This recipe is fun to make with kids who love rolling the dough in powdered sugar. The finished cookies look festive and snowy, making them a great addition to holiday cookie trays or classroom treats.

Five gingerbread crinkle cookies on white plate with gold rim

Ingredients and Substitutions

What You’ll Need

1 box spice cake mix (15.25 oz)
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup molasses
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Ingredient Notes

Use a good quality spice cake mix for the most flavor. Look for one that includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The molasses gives that classic gingerbread richness, so don’t skip it. Vegetable oil keeps the cookies moist and neutral in flavor, but you can swap it with melted coconut oil if preferred.

Substitution Options

For gluten-free, use a gluten-free spice cake mix.
To make them dairy-free, double-check your cake mix for any hidden dairy ingredients.
Swap eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) for an egg-free version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the spice cake mix, ground ginger, and cinnamon. Add the molasses, oil, vanilla, and eggs. Mix everything together with a hand mixer or wooden spoon until fully combined. The dough will be sticky.

Mixing dry and wet ingredients in white bowl with wooden spoon

Gingerbread cookie dough mixed in white bowl with wooden spoon

Step 3: Chill

Place the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and helping the cookies hold their shape.

Step 4: Roll in Sugar

Scoop 1-inch portions of dough using a cookie scoop or spoon. Drop each dough ball into a bowl of powdered sugar and coat well. Gently roll between your hands to shape into smooth balls. Don’t worry if the dough cracks a little.

Unbaked cookie dough balls coated in powdered sugar on baking sheet

Freshly baked gingerbread crinkle cookies on parchment lined tray

Step 5: Bake

Place dough balls 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the tops are cracked and the edges are set. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for Success

Chill is Key

Don’t skip chilling the dough. Even 30 minutes makes a big difference in how well the cookies roll and how nicely they crinkle.

Coat Generously

Make sure each dough ball is completely covered in powdered sugar. This helps create that dramatic crackle effect and prevents sticking.

Don’t Overbake

These cookies are best slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool, leaving you with that perfect soft texture.

How to Serve These Cookies

Perfect for Gifting

Pack a dozen into clear treat bags or festive tins for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers. Add a bow and a handwritten tag for a sweet homemade gift.

Holiday Cookie Platter Favorite

These cookies are a beautiful contrast to chocolate or shortbread cookies and always stand out on holiday trays.

Enjoy with a Cozy Drink

Serve with a mug of hot cocoa, spiced tea, or a chai latte for the ultimate winter pairing.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store Leftovers

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Keep them out of direct sunlight and heat.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For best texture, thaw at room temperature before serving.

Gingerbread crinkle cookies cooling on wire rack with white towel

Frequently Asked Questions

Why didn’t my cookies crack?

Your dough may not have been chilled long enough or wasn’t coated well with powdered sugar. Make sure the dough is cold and generously rolled.

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies often result from warm dough. Chill the dough to prevent too much spreading during baking.

Can I freeze the dough instead of baking?

Yes, roll the dough into balls, place them on a tray, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, roll in powdered sugar and bake straight from frozen, adding 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time.

Related Recipes You Might Love

If you enjoyed these gingerbread crinkle cookies, try one of these easy and festive cookie recipes next:

For even more holiday inspiration, follow along on Pinterest at Bake With Lina Pinterest

Final Thoughts

These easy gingerbread crinkle cookies with cake mix bring holiday flavor and festive fun to your kitchen with minimal effort. Perfectly spiced, pillowy soft, and dusted in snowy sugar, they’re a seasonal must-bake. Whether you're making them for a cookie swap, a cozy night in, or a cheerful edible gift, this recipe delivers every time.

If you bake a batch, let me know how they turned out in the comments. I’d love to see your photos and hear your favorite holiday cookie traditions.