Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect treat for any holiday gathering or cozy evening at home. These cookies combine the rich flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a delightful balance of warmth and sweetness. With their soft texture and crinkled appearance, they stand out on any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or just because, these cookies will surely charm everyone who tries them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices gives these cookies a unique taste that’s perfect for the holiday season.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 servings, these cookies are ideal for parties or as gifts for friends and family.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or as a festive dessert; they fit any occasion perfectly.
- Fun to Decorate: Coating them in powdered sugar adds an extra layer of fun and charm to your baking experience.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven mitts
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are essential for achieving the right texture and flavor in your cookies.
- Baking sheet: A quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60ml) molasses
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For Coating
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
How to Make Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Ground ginger
3. Ground cinnamon
4. Ground cloves
5. Ground nutmeg
6. Baking soda
7. Salt
Ensure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream together:
1. Softened unsalted butter
2. Brown sugar
Beat until light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3–5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients
To the creamed mixture, add:
1. Egg
2. Molasses
3. Vanilla extract
Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 7: Form Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Enjoy your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies!
How to Serve Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are delightful treats perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
With Hot Beverages
- Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee to balance the spices.
- Tea: A spiced chai or herbal tea complements the ginger flavor beautifully.
- Hot Chocolate: Enjoy with rich hot chocolate for a sweet, comforting treat.
As Dessert Platters
- Cookie Assortments: Combine with other holiday cookies for a festive platter.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor.
For Gifting
- Gift Boxes: Place in decorative boxes for charming homemade gifts.
- Cookie Jars: Layer in jars for an eye-catching presentation.
How to Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use Fresh Spices: Always opt for fresh ground ginger and spices for maximum flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. Remove them from the oven when edges are just set.
- Coat Generously: Roll the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking to create that crinkle effect.
- Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options.
- Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses can balance the sweetness of the cookies.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits add a refreshing contrast to the spiced flavors.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture alongside soft cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a delightful contrast.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce can complement the sweetness beautifully.
- Vanilla Pudding: Creamy vanilla pudding offers a smooth texture that pairs well with crinkle cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially when making Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Using cold butter – Cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always soften the butter before mixing for a light texture.
- Skipping the flour measurement – Accurate flour measurement is crucial. Use a kitchen scale or fluff the flour before scooping to avoid dense cookies.
- Not chilling the dough – Skipping this step can cause cookies to spread too much. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes for the perfect crinkle effect.
- Overbaking – Overbaking leads to hard cookies. Keep a close eye on them, removing them from the oven once they look slightly undercooked.
- Ignoring spice freshness – Old spices can dull flavors. Make sure your ground ginger, cinnamon, and other spices are fresh for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week to keep them fresh.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes for warm, soft cookies.
- Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop – Place in a skillet on low heat, covered, for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies so special?
These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with warm spices that evoke the holiday spirit. Their crinkly appearance adds charm, making them perfect for any festive occasion.
Can I substitute ingredients in Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
Yes! You can replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or use honey instead of molasses. However, this may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
How do I know when my Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are done?
Look for edges that are set but centers that are still soft. The cookies will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.
How long do Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies last?
If stored properly in an airtight container, they will remain fresh for about one week at room temperature or up to three months if frozen.
Final Thoughts
The Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies recipe offers a delightful combination of warmth and sweetness that’s perfect for any season. With options to customize spices or add chocolate chips, these cookies cater to various tastes. Try them today – they might just become your new favorite!
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With their unique blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of molasses, these cookies are not only soft and chewy but also bursting with flavor. Their charming crinkled appearance, dusted with powdered sugar, makes them a standout on any dessert table or holiday gathering. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these cookies will surely enchant everyone who tries them. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee or gifted to loved ones, they promise cozy moments filled with joy.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- Powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg, molasses, and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture without overmixing.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions, roll into balls, then coat in powdered sugar.
- Place on baking sheet two inches apart and bake for about 10 minutes until edges are set.
- Allow cooling before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 53mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 14mg
