Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect holiday treat that brings warmth and flavor into your kitchen. These cookies are soft on the inside with a delightful crinkle on top, making them visually appealing and delicious. Ideal for Christmas gatherings or cozy evenings at home, they fill your space with the comforting aroma of spices like ginger and cinnamon. The standout quality of these cookies lies in their rich flavor profile combined with a simple preparation method, making them a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of spices creates a warm, inviting taste that encapsulates the essence of the holidays.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, these cookies can be whipped up quickly.
- Perfect for Sharing: Yielding 24 servings, they’re great for parties, potlucks, or gift-giving.
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist!
- Chewy Texture: Enjoy a soft and chewy bite that keeps you coming back for more.
Tools and Preparation
To make Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies successfully, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps achieve a smooth batter without exerting much effort.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently while preventing spills.
- Baking sheets: Provide an even surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 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
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60ml) molasses
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Coating
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, for coating
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: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients:
1. Add the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
2. Whisk together until well blended.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients:
1. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
2. The dough should be thick but sticky.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
Using two tablespoons:
1. Scoop out cookie dough balls about an inch in size.
2. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 6: Bake Cookies
Place cookie balls on lined baking sheets:
1. Space them about 2 inches apart as they will spread.
2. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. 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 any occasion. These cookies offer a warm, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with various accompaniments.
With Hot Beverages
- Coffee – The rich flavor of coffee enhances the spiciness of the cookies.
- Hot Chocolate – A creamy cup of hot chocolate complements the gingerbread nicely.
- Tea – Choose a chai or spiced tea to accentuate the warm spices in the cookies.
As a Dessert Platter
- Cheese Board – Add these cookies to a cheese platter for a sweet contrast with savory cheeses.
- Fruit Compote – Serve with a side of apple or pear compote for a fruity touch that balances the flavors.
- Ice Cream – Pair with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a deliciously creamy experience.
During Holiday Gatherings
- Cookie Exchange – These cookies make an excellent addition to any cookie exchange event.
- Gift Giving – Package them in festive boxes as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family.
How to Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To achieve the perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, follow these simple tips.
- Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature allows for better mixing and texture.
- Measure Flour Accurately – Use the scoop-and-level method to avoid overpacking flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be soft when you take them out but will firm up as they cool.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar Generously – Make sure each cookie is well-coated before baking for that signature crinkle effect.
- Store Properly – Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness.
Best Side Dishes for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be enjoyed with various delightful side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Cheesecake Bites – Miniature cheesecakes add a rich creaminess that contrasts well with the ginger flavor.
- Spiced Nuts – Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon or nutmeg provide a crunchy texture alongside the soft cookies.
- Apple Crisp – A warm apple crisp enhances fall flavors, making it a fantastic pairing during holiday seasons.
- Pumpkin Pie – The classic pumpkin pie is always a favorite, offering rich spices that harmonize with gingerbread.
- Caramel Sauce – A drizzle of caramel adds sweetness and decadence when enjoyed alongside your cookies.
- Dried Fruits – Dried cranberries or apricots offer chewy sweetness that complements the spiciness of the cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using cold butter – Cold butter will not cream properly with the sugar, leading to dense cookies. Always soften the butter before starting.
- Overmeasuring flour – Too much flour can make the cookies dry. Use a spoon to fluff the flour before scooping it into your measuring cup.
- Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Don’t skip this crucial step; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Not checking your oven temperature – An oven that’s too hot can burn the cookies while leaving them raw inside. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Ignoring ingredient temperature – Ingredients like eggs and molasses should be at room temperature for better mixing. Take them out ahead of time.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between cookie layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
- These cookies can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh taste.
- Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
- Stovetop – Place in a skillet over low heat for a minute or so, just until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies that may help you perfect your baking experience.
Can I use whole wheat flour for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it might result in denser cookies. Adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure it includes xanthan gum for proper texture.
What variations can I try with Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to enhance flavor and texture!
How do I store unbaked cookie dough?
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are delightful treats that bring warmth and joy during any season. Their soft texture paired with spices makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Feel free to customize them with your favorite additions, ensuring each batch is uniquely yours!
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the quintessential holiday treat, enveloping your home in the warm aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These cookies feature a soft and chewy texture with a beautiful powdered sugar coating that adds visual appeal and a sweet contrast to their spice-forward flavor. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, cozy evenings, or as thoughtful gifts, these delightful cookies are easy to make with simple ingredients. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or shared among friends and family, they are sure to evoke cherished memories and festive cheer.
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
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg, molasses, and vanilla.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients until just mixed; do not overmix.
- Scoop dough into balls and roll them in powdered sugar.
- Place on a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
