Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Their soft texture and warm spices make them a holiday favorite, while the delightful crinkle tops add visual appeal. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them ideal for gatherings or cozy nights at home. With their rich flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, they are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices creates a warm and inviting taste that captures the essence of the holiday season.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even beginner bakers can whip up these cookies in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Beautiful Presentation: The crinkled surface and powdered sugar coating make these cookies visually stunning on any dessert table.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it for later baking.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl allows you to mix ingredients without worrying about spills.
- Electric mixer: This tool speeds up the creaming process, ensuring a light and fluffy cookie dough.
- Baking sheet: Using a quality baking sheet helps achieve even baking and browning.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 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
How to Make Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
– 2 ¼ cups 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
Whisk these ingredients together until fully combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together:
– ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 1 cup brown sugar
Use an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add:
– 1 large egg
– ¼ cup molasses
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
Mix until well incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Remove from oven when edges are set but centers still look soft.
Step 8: Cool
Let cookies cool on baking 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 sharing during the holiday season. Whether you enjoy them with a warm drink or as part of a festive dessert platter, these cookies can be served in various ways.
With Hot Beverages
- Tea: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai or herbal tea to enhance their flavors.
- Coffee: Enjoy with fresh brewed coffee for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
- Hot Chocolate: Serve alongside rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for a delightful indulgence.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Mixed Cookie Tray: Add these crinkle cookies to a tray filled with other holiday favorites like sugar cookies and peppermint bark.
- Ice Cream Sundae: Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream for an exciting dessert twist.
- Cheese Board Addition: Include them on a cheese board alongside soft cheeses and dried fruits for an unexpected pairing.
Gift Giving
- Holiday Treat Bags: Package them in festive bags to share with friends and family.
- Dessert Jars: Layer crumbled cookies in jars with other sweets for an attractive gift idea.
How to Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To ensure your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies retain their shape.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they look slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Coat Generously in Powdered Sugar: The sugar coating not only adds sweetness but also enhances that 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
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies pair well with several side dishes that complement their sweet and spiced flavor profile. Here are some great options to consider:
- Spiced Apple Cider: Warm apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks creates a cozy drink pairing.
- Roasted Nuts: A mix of sweet and salty roasted nuts adds texture and balance to your dessert table.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of gingerbread cookies.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially sharp cheddar or creamy brie, pairs nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side dish that complements dessert.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of crinkle cookie into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using stale spices: Fresh spices have a stronger flavor. Always check the expiration date on your ground ginger, cinnamon, and other spices.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make cookies tough. Combine until just mixed for a softer texture.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping this step can lead to flatter cookies. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Skipping the coating: The powdered sugar coating is essential for that crinkled look. Don’t forget to roll your cookies in it!
- Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot will bake cookies unevenly. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor.
Reheating Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a non-stick pan over low heat for a couple of minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.
How do I make Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
To make these cookies, mix flour, spices, baking soda, butter, brown sugar, egg, molasses, and vanilla. Chill the dough, roll it in powdered sugar, then bake!
Can I customize Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor. Adjust spices based on your preference too.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
What makes these cookies soft?
The combination of butter and molasses creates a moist texture that helps keep the cookies soft after baking.
Final Thoughts
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their cozy flavors make them ideal for holiday gatherings or simply as a sweet snack. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins like chocolate or nuts!
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining rich flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses into a tender cookie with a delightful crinkled surface. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights in, these cookies are easy to make, making them a staple in your baking collection. With their inviting aroma and beautiful presentation, they are sure to bring joy to any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a warm beverage or included in a dessert platter, these cookies offer a comforting taste of the season that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 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 for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, molasses, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Gradually blend dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop dough into balls and roll each in powdered sugar before placing on the baking sheet.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until set at the edges but soft in the center.
- Let cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
