Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect treat to warm your home during the holiday season. These cookies boast a delightful combination of spices, creating a comforting aroma that is sure to please everyone. Their soft texture and crinkly appearance make them not just tasty but also visually appealing for various occasions, from festive gatherings to cozy family nights.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cookie Dough
- For Coating
- How to Make Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Step 4: Add Egg and Molasses
- Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar
- Step 7: Bake
- Step 8: Cool
- How to Serve Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- With Hot Beverages
- As a Gift
- At Holiday Gatherings
- For Family Movie Nights
- How to Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Best Side Dishes for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Reheating Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
- What can I substitute for molasses?
- How long do these cookies last?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
- Flavorful Spices: The blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg gives these cookies a unique taste that celebrates the holiday spirit.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or just as an everyday dessert, these cookies fit any occasion.
- Fun Coating: Rolling them in powdered sugar before baking creates a beautiful snowy finish that adds to their charm.
- Great for Gifting: Pack them in a festive box to share with friends and family; they make a thoughtful homemade gift!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk or electric mixer
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl helps you mix ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking for perfectly baked cookies.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
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). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
1. 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour
2. 2 tsp ground ginger
3. 1 tsp ground cinnamon
4. ½ tsp ground cloves
5. ½ tsp ground nutmeg
6. 1 tsp baking soda
7. ¼ tsp salt
Whisk these together until well mixed.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together:
1. ¾ cup softened butter
2. 1 cup packed brown sugar
Use an electric mixer or whisk until fluffy.
Step 4: Add Egg and Molasses
Add in one large egg and ¼ cup molasses to the creamed mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Scoop dough into balls about one inch in diameter. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 7: Bake
Place the cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are slightly firm but centers remain soft.
Step 8: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack 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 a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. They can be enjoyed in various ways, making them versatile for any occasion.
With Hot Beverages
- Tea or Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee to enhance their spiced flavors.
- Hot Chocolate: Enjoy with rich hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience.
As a Gift
- Cookie Jars: Layer these cookies in decorative jars for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Gift Baskets: Include them in holiday gift baskets along with other treats.
At Holiday Gatherings
- Dessert Table: Serve on a festive dessert table during holiday parties, adding color and sweetness.
- Cookie Exchange: Bring them to cookie exchanges as they are sure to impress fellow bakers.
For Family Movie Nights
- Snack Time: Have these cookies ready as a sweet snack while enjoying your favorite holiday movies.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches for an extra treat.
How to Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, follow these tips.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for maximum flavor. Old spices can diminish the taste.
- Proper Measuring: Accurately measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off. This prevents dense cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies. Remove them from the oven when they are just set to maintain softness.
- Coat Generously: Roll the dough balls well in powdered sugar before baking for that classic crinkle effect.
- Store Correctly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container to retain their soft texture longer.
Best Side Dishes for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies pair well with several side dishes, enhancing your dessert experience.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses complements the sweetness of gingerbread, offering a savory contrast.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits add brightness and balance out the richness of the cookies; consider citrus or berries.
- Nut Mix: A mix of spiced nuts adds texture and crunch while echoing the gingerbread’s flavors.
- Whipped Cream: Serve alongside whipped cream for a creamy dip that makes each bite even more indulgent.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce enhances the cookie’s spice profile, making it festive.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful fusion of warm and cold textures.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an extra layer of decadence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding mistakes is key to making the best Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them:
- Using Old Spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Check expiration dates and replace any that are stale for the best taste.
- Skipping Creaming Butter: Properly creaming butter with sugar creates a light texture. Don’t rush this step; aim for a pale, fluffy mixture.
- Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the scoop-and-level method for accurate measurement.
- Ignoring Chill Time: Chilling dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Don’t skip this step to achieve those perfect crinkles!
- Overbaking Cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should look soft in the center; they will continue to cook after removing from the oven.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can last up to three 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.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covered, for a couple of minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies recipe:
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose for best results.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
What can I substitute for molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup. However, molasses adds a unique flavor that is hard to replicate completely.
How long do these cookies last?
These cookies stay fresh for about one week at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are not only cozy but also versatile. You can customize them by adding chocolate chips or nuts if you prefer. They’re perfect for sharing during the holidays or enjoying as a sweet treat anytime. Give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, encapsulating the cozy essence of winter with every bite. These cookies combine a delightful mix of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your home. Their soft, chewy texture and beautiful crinkly appearance make them perfect for festive gatherings or quiet family nights by the fireplace. Coated in powdered sugar for a snowy finish, these cookies not only taste fantastic but also look stunning on any dessert table. Whether you’re sharing them as gifts or indulging in them yourself, these cookies bring warmth and joy to the holiday season.
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
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60ml) molasses
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg and molasses to the butter mixture; mix until combined.
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Roll dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter and coat each ball in powdered sugar.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are firm yet centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
