Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate festive treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in. These cookies boast a delightful blend of warm spices, creating a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen. Their crinkled appearance, dusted with powdered sugar, not only makes them visually appealing but also promises a soft and chewy texture with every bite. Whether you’re baking for Christmas or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a mouthwatering taste that captures the essence of the holidays.
- Easy to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these cookies without any hassle.
- Perfect for Sharing: Yielding 24 cookies, they’re great for parties, gift-giving, or enjoying with friends and family.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Serve them as a dessert or pair with tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
- Festive Appearance: The crinkle effect and powdered sugar coating make them look as good as they taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure success.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly, ensuring that your dough comes together smoothly.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar, achieving the right texture more easily.
- Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for baking cookies while allowing even heat distribution.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier, ensuring your cookies come off the pan effortlessly.
Ingredients
To create Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, you will need the following 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 your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your 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, combine:
1. Flour
2. Ground ginger
3. Ground cinnamon
4. Ground cloves
5. Ground nutmeg
6. Baking soda
7. Salt
Whisk together until well combined.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
1. Softened butter
2. Brown sugar
Beat until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients
To the butter-sugar mixture, add:
1. Egg
2. Molasses
3. Vanilla extract
Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 7: Form Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Then roll each ball in powdered sugar until well coated.
Step 8: Bake
Place cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes or until they are set around the edges but still soft in the center.
Step 9: Cool
Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies!
How to Serve Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are perfect for any festive occasion. Their warm spices and soft texture make them a delightful treat that can be served in various ways.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair these cookies with cold milk for a classic combination that enhances their flavor.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Arrange these cookies alongside other holiday treats like peppermint bark and chocolate truffles for a festive dessert spread.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these gingerbread cookies with your favorite coffee or spiced tea, enhancing the cozy experience.
Gift-Wrapped for Friends
- Package the cookies in decorative boxes or bags as thoughtful gifts during the holiday season.
How to Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To ensure you achieve the best results with your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for the best flavor. Old spices can lose their potency.
- Measure Accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to avoid altering the cookie’s texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they are slightly undercooked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Coat Generously: Roll the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking for a beautiful crinkle effect.
- Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.
Best Side Dishes for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes, creating a complete holiday dessert experience.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices perfectly.
- Hot Chocolate: Serve with rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for a cozy treat.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cookies nicely.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese to contrast the cookie’s sweetness.
- Nut Mix: A mix of roasted nuts adds crunch and savory notes, making it an excellent pairing.
- Cranberry Sauce: Tangy cranberry sauce provides a delightful tartness alongside these sweet cookies.
- Spiced Tea: Warm spiced tea enhances the flavors of gingerbread without overpowering them.
- Pecan Pie Bites: These mini treats offer a rich, nutty flavor that complements gingerbread beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking soft and spiced gingerbread crinkle cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using stale spices: Freshness matters! Make sure your ground spices are fresh to ensure the best flavor in your cookies.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for that perfect soft texture.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping this step can result in cookies spreading too much. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes for better shaping.
- Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that is too hot can burn the edges of your cookies. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Neglecting to coat in powdered sugar: The sugar coating gives the crinkle effect and adds sweetness. Don’t skip this final touch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the fridge.
Freezing Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on it!
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making soft and spiced gingerbread crinkle cookies.
How do I make my Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies softer?
To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when they are slightly underdone; they will continue to cook while cooling.
Can I use other spices in my Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with spices like allspice or cardamom for different flavor profiles.
What is the best way to store Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture.
Can I add chocolate chips to these gingerbread cookies?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can enhance their flavor and add a delightful texture contrast.
Final Thoughts
Soft and spiced gingerbread crinkle cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various spices or mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Whether you’re enjoying them during the holidays or any cozy day of the year, these cookies are sure to bring joy. Give this recipe a try, and indulge in their comforting taste!
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect festive treat for any holiday gathering or cozy night in. These cookies combine the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Their signature crinkled tops dusted with powdered sugar not only provide a visually appealing presentation but also promise a delightful soft and chewy texture in every bite. Ideal for Christmas baking or simply enjoying as a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- ½ cup powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just combined.
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and coat them in powdered sugar.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart and bake for 10 minutes or until set around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Let cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
