Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. These cookies, with their rich spices and soft texture, are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings by the fire, or as thoughtful gifts for loved ones. The unique crinkle appearance adds a festive touch, making them a standout addition to your cookie platter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
- Easy Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious cookies without any fuss.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday parties or everyday snacks, these cookies are sure to please everyone.
- Soft Texture: The use of butter and molasses ensures each cookie is soft and chewy, providing a delightful contrast to the powdered sugar coating.
- Impressive Presentation: The beautiful crinkle effect on top makes these cookies visually appealing for any dessert table.
Tools and Preparation
To make Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: They allow you to combine ingredients efficiently while preventing spills.
- Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and browning of your cookies.
- Cooling rack: This tool helps your cookies cool quickly, maintaining their texture.
Ingredients
For the Cookie 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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Form Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out dough balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they start to crack on top.
Step 8: Cool Down
Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. 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, perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Here are some fun serving suggestions that will elevate your cookie experience.
Pair with Hot Beverages
- Hot Chocolate – A rich cup of hot chocolate complements the warm spices in the cookies.
- Spiced Tea – Enjoy these cookies with a cup of chai or spiced apple cider for an extra cozy touch.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Cookie Assortment – Combine these crinkle cookies with other holiday favorites, such as sugar cookies or peppermint bark.
- Cheese Board – Add a selection of soft cheeses and dried fruits to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
Gift Ideas
- Cookie Jars – Package the cookies in decorative jars for thoughtful gifts that friends and family will love.
- Holiday Baskets – Include these cookies in festive baskets filled with other homemade treats.
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.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature helps create a smoother dough.
- Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and prevent spreading.
- Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on them as they bake. They should be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
- Roll Generously in Powdered Sugar – Coating them well before baking creates that classic crinkle effect and adds sweetness.
- Store Properly – Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness for longer.
Best Side Dishes for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Cream Cheese Frosting – Spread a layer of this tangy frosting over the cookies for added richness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve warm crinkle cookies alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert combo.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of gingerbread.
- Whipped Cream – Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cookies for a decadent finish.
- Nut Mixes – A bowl of spiced nuts can add crunch and complement the flavors of your gingerbread treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially with cookies like Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for perfect results.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Stir until just combined for a soft texture.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. This ensures the right balance of flavors.
- Skipping chilling time: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Don’t skip this step for better shape.
- Using old spices: Fresh spices make a noticeable difference in flavor. Check your spice jars before starting.
- Underbaking the cookies: Soft cookies may look underdone but will firm up as they cool. Follow bake times closely.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Freezing Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Freeze for up to three months in an airtight container.
- Layer with parchment paper to maintain texture.
Reheating Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, covering to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.
Can I use different spices in my gingerbread cookies?
Absolutely! While ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are traditional, you can experiment with cardamom or allspice for unique flavors.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Look for edges that are set while the centers remain slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What is the best way to decorate Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
You can drizzle melted chocolate or icing on top after baking. Adding sprinkles can make them festive!
Final Thoughts
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different spices or toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for any holiday gathering or cozy evening at home!
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, bringing warmth and joy with every bite. Infused with a delightful blend of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies boast a soft, chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with their signature powdered sugar coating. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire, their charming crinkle appearance makes them a standout addition to any cookie platter. Whip up a batch in just 15 minutes of prep time, and you’ll have an irresistible dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup powdered sugar
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 butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture; stir until just combined.
- Scoop dough into balls and roll in powdered sugar.
- Place on the baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes or until tops crack.
- Cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
