Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a delightful holiday treat loved by many. Their soft texture and spicy flavor make them perfect for festive occasions or a cozy afternoon snack. With a crinkly surface dusted in powdered sugar, these cookies not only taste amazing but also look beautiful on any dessert table. The balance of spices, sweetness, and a hint of warmth makes this cookie a favorite during the colder months. Whether you are baking for a party or just for yourself, these cookies are sure to please.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is a wonderful way to bring joy into your kitchen. The smell of warm spices fills the air, reminding you of holiday gatherings and cozy family moments. This recipe is simple, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and those with more experience. Furthermore, these cookies are great for sharing with friends and family, making them an ideal gift from your kitchen. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves evokes warmth and comfort, encapsulating the essence of the holiday spirit. Plus, they are perfect for any occasion, not just the holidays!
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are also versatile. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with hot beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. The combination of their soft texture and spicy-sweet flavor makes them an unforgettable treat. Moreover, they are easy to customize. You can adjust the spices to your liking or even experiment by adding chocolate chips or nuts. This recipe allows for creativity, ensuring that you can make these cookies your own.
How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure even baking. While the oven is heating, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies rise and giving them a nice texture.
Add Wet Ingredients: Next, beat in the large egg, followed by the 1/4 cup of molasses and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. The molasses gives these cookies their rich flavor and color, while the vanilla adds a nice aroma.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. It is okay if the dough is a little sticky; this will help create the wonderful texture after baking.
Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball between your hands. Next, coat each ball generously in powdered sugar. This will give the cookies their signature crinkle look and a sweet topping.
Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space in between. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should look slightly underbaked, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their soft centers while forming the perfect outer crust.
How to Serve Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be served warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own, but pairing them with hot cocoa, chai tea, or coffee enhances the experience. You can also serve these cookies during a holiday gathering as part of a dessert platter. Display them alongside other treats like brownies, cookies, and seasonal pastries. Their unique look and flavor are sure to impress your guests.
To create a festive presentation, consider placing cookies in decorative jars or boxes tied with ribbons. This makes for a lovely homemade gift for friends, family, or coworkers during the holiday season. The combination of flavors and the beautiful appearance of these cookies makes them not just a treat, but a delightful gift from the kitchen.
How to Store Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To keep Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for about a week. If you want to enjoy them for a longer period, consider storing them in the refrigerator. They will last for about two weeks in the fridge. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying them for the best taste and texture.
If you have a large batch, you can freeze the raw dough. Simply roll the dough balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This method is excellent for last-minute treats or holiday baking!
Tips to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Use Fresh Spices: The flavor of your cookies will depend on the spices used. Freshly purchased spices will provide the best taste. Avoid spices that have been sitting in your cupboard for too long.
Measure Flour Properly: Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing the flour down, as this can lead to dense cookies.
Softened Butter Is Key: Ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming. Softened butter helps create a fluffy texture in the cookies. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can cut it into small pieces to speed up the softening process.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They are done when they begin to crack on the surface and the edges look set, but the centers should still look soft.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for extra texture and flavor. Just be mindful of how much you add, as too many add-ins can affect the baking time.
Variation
While Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are already delightful on their own, you can add your twist. Consider adding a bit of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy kick. This brightens the flavors and pairs incredibly well with the spices. You can also dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a rich chocolate-coated version. If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the amount of ginger or cinnamon slightly.
For an even more festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the cookies right after they come out of the oven. This can add a holiday twist that both kids and adults will love.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour. However, this may change the texture slightly, making the cookies denser. You might want to try using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a better balance.
2. What can I use instead of molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, but this will alter the flavor of the cookies. Brown sugar alone will give a slightly different taste and color.
3. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the tops are set, and the edges look firm. They will look soft in the center but will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet. If you overbake them, they can become hard.
By following this simple and delightful recipe for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, you can create a treat that fills your home with wonderful aromas and warms your heart. Happy baking!
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat each ball in powdered sugar.
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet with space in between.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies look slightly underbaked.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.