Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup. These delightful cookies are soft, chewy, and feature a warm blend of spices that will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma. Ideal for Christmas gatherings, cozy nights by the fire, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies stand out with their crinkly tops and sweet powdered sugar coating. Enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or share them at festive parties; they’re sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of any level.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and other spices creates a rich flavor profile that captures the essence of the holiday season.
- Versatile Treat: Great for various occasions—serve them during the holidays or pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
- Perfect Texture: Each cookie boasts a soft center with slightly crispy edges, making every bite satisfying.
- Fun to Decorate: Coating these cookies in powdered sugar adds a festive touch that makes them visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Having everything in place will make preparing your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after baking.
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
How to Make Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring even baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients:
1. Combine flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl:
1. Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture:
1. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
Using a cookie scoop:
1. Drop dough onto prepared baking sheets spaced about two inches apart.
2. Roll each ball in powdered sugar before placing it on the sheet.
Step 6: Bake
Place in preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft.
2. Let cool on sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies!
How to Serve Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies will surely be a hit.
With Hot Beverages
- Coffee: Pair your cookies with a rich cup of coffee for a comforting experience.
- Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea complements the flavors perfectly.
- Hot Chocolate: Indulge in some hot chocolate for a sweet treat moment.
As Part of Dessert Platters
- Holiday Cookie Tray: Include these cookies on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats.
- Dessert Buffet: Serve them at parties with various desserts for guests to enjoy.
With Ice Cream
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches.
- Scoop on Top: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
For Gifting
- Gift Boxes: Package these cookies in decorative boxes as thoughtful gifts during the holidays.
- Cookie Jars: Fill mason jars with cookies as charming presents for friends and family.
How to Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To make your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies even better, consider the following tips:
- Boldly Measure Ingredients: Accurate measurement ensures the right texture. Use kitchen scales for precision.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and improve handling.
- Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices give better flavor. Check your pantry for potency before using.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on baking time to maintain softness. Remove them just when they start to crack.
- Coat Generously in Powdered Sugar: This not only adds sweetness but also creates that beautiful crinkle look.
- Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and chewiness.
Best Side Dishes for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies pair well with several side dishes that complement their flavors beautifully. Here are some great options:
- Spiced Apple Cider: A warm beverage that enhances the ginger flavors in the cookies while adding sweetness.
- Cheese Platter: A mix of sharp cheeses balances the sweetness of the cookies wonderfully.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits provide a refreshing contrast, making it a light addition to your dessert spread.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into rich chocolate for an indulgent experience.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel over warmed cookies for added decadence.
- Whipped Cream Topping: Serve with whipped cream for extra creaminess that complements the cookie’s texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be fun and rewarding, but it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect cookies.
- Incorrect measuring: Using too much or too little flour can change the texture. Always use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft.
- Skipping chilling time: Not chilling the dough may cause cookies to spread too much. Chill for at least 30 minutes for better shape.
- Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven before placing your cookies inside.
- Using old spices: Stale spices can diminish flavor. Check expiration dates and use fresh spices for the best taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Containers: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezing Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Duration: Freeze cookies for up to three months.
- Containers: Place in a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Reheating Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.
Can I use different spices for the cookies?
Yes! Feel free to customize with your favorite spices like cardamom or allspice.
How do I make my cookies softer?
Ensure you don’t overbake them. Remove from the oven when edges are set but centers are still soft.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well in baking.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, chill it longer in the refrigerator before rolling into balls.
Final Thoughts
These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering or as a cozy treat at home. Their delightful sweetness and spiced flavor make them versatile for various occasions. You can also customize them by adding chocolate chips or nuts. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the quintessential holiday treat that will fill your home with warmth and cheer. Imagine soft, chewy cookies infused with a delightful combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, topped with a generous coating of powdered sugar. These festive cookies are perfect for Christmas gatherings, cozy nights by the fire, or as heartfelt homemade gifts. Easy to make and visually appealing with their crinkly tops, they pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or coffee. Bake a batch today to spread joy this holiday season!
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 packed 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 butter and brown sugar until fluffy; mix in egg, molasses, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto lined baking sheets spaced apart; roll each ball in powdered sugar.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Cool on wire racks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
