Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: A Delicious Treat for Everyone
Gingerbread crinkle cookies are a delightful treat that many people love. They are soft, chewy, and packed with warm spices. These cookies come with a beautiful cracked surface, which is where they get their name. The soft centers and sugary outer crust make them irresistible. Whether it is the holiday season or just a cozy afternoon, making gingerbread crinkle cookies can bring warmth and joy to your kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
Making gingerbread crinkle cookies is a great idea for several reasons. First, these cookies are a classic treat that many people associate with the joy of the holidays. The warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create a cozy aroma in your home. Baking cookies like these can also bring back fond memories and create new ones with friends and family.
Additionally, gingerbread crinkle cookies are suitable for various occasions. You can serve them at parties, bring them to potlucks, or just enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee. The recipe is also easy to follow, making it perfect for beginner bakers and experienced ones alike.
These cookies not only taste good but are also beautiful to look at. Their crinkled tops dusted with powdered sugar add to their charm. With a little effort, you can create a tasty treat that looks like it came from a bakery. So, if you want to impress your friends or simply treat yourself, this recipe is perfect for you.
How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Making gingerbread crinkle cookies is simple if you follow the steps carefully. You will need basic baking ingredients and a little bit of time. Below is everything you need to get started.
Ingredients
To make gingerbread crinkle cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly heated oven ensures your cookies will bake evenly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, and baking soda. Stir the mixture well with a whisk or spoon to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a larger bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Crack the large egg into the butter and sugar mixture. Also, pour in the unsulfured molasses. Mix these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Prepare to Bake: After chilling, take the dough out from the refrigerator. Roll the chilled dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Then, coat each ball in powdered sugar to give it a sweet crust.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the dough balls on the sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading during baking.
Bake the Cookies: Once the baking sheet is prepared, put it in the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you want the edges to be set but the centers should remain soft.
Cool the Cookies: After baking, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Final Touch: Once the cookies are cool, dust them with additional powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
How to Serve Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Gingerbread crinkle cookies are best served fresh, but they can also be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for an extra treat. They make a great dessert during holiday gatherings or any festive occasion.
For a creative touch, you can serve the cookies on a decorative plate or in a gift box. They also make excellent gifts for friends and family, especially during the holiday season.
How to Store Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
If you have any cookies left, it’s essential to store them properly to keep them fresh. Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for up to a week if stored correctly.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature, and they will taste just as good as when they were freshly baked.
Tips to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Fresh Spices: Always use fresh spices for the best flavor. If your spices are old and have lost their potency, your cookies may not taste as good.
Butter Temperature: Make sure your unsalted butter is softened but not melted. If it’s too soft, your cookies may spread too much during baking.
Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step. It helps the cookies hold their shape and results in a better texture.
Watch Your Cookies: Every oven is different. Check your cookies a minute or so before the time is up to avoid overbaking.
Customize: Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for a different twist on the classic recipe.
Variations
You can customize these gingerbread crinkle cookies in various ways. Here are a few ideas:
Add Chocolate: Mix in some chocolate chips for a rich flavor contrast.
Nutty Flavor: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Frosting: Top the cookies with a simple icing or cream cheese frosting for a sweeter treat.
Different Spices: Try experimenting with other warm spices such as nutmeg or allspice for a unique flavor.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. It will give the cookies a richer flavor and a slightly different texture.How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour. Make sure to check that the blend includes xanthan gum for the best results.What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
Now that you have the steps, tips, and tricks, you’re ready to bake your gingerbread crinkle cookies! Enjoy the delicious smell that fills your kitchen and the joy of sharing these delightful treats with your loved ones. Happy baking!
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, and baking soda. Stir well.
- In a larger bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the egg and unsulfured molasses to the butter and sugar mixture and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- After chilling, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each ball in powdered sugar.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the dough balls on it, allowing space for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Dust with additional powdered sugar once cool for a snowy finish.