Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Their delightful combination of spices, rich molasses, and soft texture makes them a favorite during Christmas celebrations, cozy gatherings, or simply to indulge in during the winter months. With their signature crinkle appearance coated in powdered sugar, these cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a comforting taste that warms the soul.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a quiet evening at home, these cookies fit the mood perfectly.
- Versatile Treat: Serve them with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a delightful pairing.
- Great for Gifting: Pack them up in a festive box for friends and family—they’re sure to impress!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without making a mess.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 ⅔ 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
- ¾ 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 your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Ground ginger
3. Ground cinnamon
4. Ground cloves
5. Ground nutmeg
6. Baking soda
7. Salt
Whisk together until well blended.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl:
1. Beat the softened butter with brown sugar until fluffy.
2. Add in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
1. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Scoop out dough using a tablespoon:
1. Roll into balls.
2. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Place cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet:
1. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are firm but centers are soft.
2. Allow them to cool on a cooling rack before serving.
Enjoy your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies!
How to Serve Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Serving Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can elevate your holiday gatherings. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends.
With Hot Beverages
- Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Hot Chocolate: The sweetness of hot chocolate complements the spiced flavor of the cookies perfectly.
- Tea: A soothing cup of chai or English breakfast tea enhances the spices in the cookies.
As Holiday Treats
- Gift Boxes: Arrange the cookies in festive boxes to give as thoughtful gifts during the holiday season.
- Cookie Platters: Create a cookie platter featuring these crinkle cookies along with other holiday favorites for guests to enjoy.
- Dessert Tables: Display them prominently on dessert tables at parties to impress your guests.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creamy richness that pairs well with the spiced cookies.
- Ginger Ice Cream: For an extra kick, serve with ginger-flavored ice cream to enhance the ginger profile.
How to Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To achieve the best results when making Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, follow these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour helps prevent spreading, ensuring that they maintain their crinkle shape during baking.
- Use Fresh Spices: Opt for fresh ground spices; they enhance the flavor significantly compared to older, pre-ground options.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be soft in the center and slightly firm around the edges.
- Coat Generously: Roll each cookie ball in powdered sugar before baking for that signature crinkle look and added sweetness.
Best Side Dishes for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
These cookies can be complemented beautifully by various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or gouda provides a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and pair well with ginger flavors, making them a perfect snack alongside.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers freshness that balances out the richness of the cookies.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each cookie for an indulgent treat that enhances their flavor.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing option that complements these sweet delights.
- Pecan Pie Bars: For a richer dessert experience, serve pecan pie bars alongside these gingerbread treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, keep these common mistakes in mind for the best results.
- Incorrect Measurements: Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups accurately. This ensures the right texture and taste.
- Skipping the Chill: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Chill it for at least 30 minutes for a better shape.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for soft and tender results.
- Not Using Fresh Spices: Old spices can dull the flavor. Ensure your ground ginger, cinnamon, and other spices are fresh for maximum flavor.
- Ignoring Baking Time: Overbaking will make your cookies hard. Keep an eye on them; they should look soft in the center when done.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5 minutes to warm through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Watch closely to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a non-stick skillet over low heat for about 1 minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.
How do I get my Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies perfectly crinkled?
To achieve the perfect crinkle, ensure you roll the cookie balls in powdered sugar generously before baking. The sugar coating helps create that classic crinkle effect.
Can I substitute ingredients in Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
Yes! You can use coconut oil instead of butter or honey instead of molasses if you’re looking for alternatives.
What can I serve with Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
These cookies pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea during the holidays.
How long do Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies last?
Stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are delightful treats that bring warmth and joy during any festive occasion. Their cozy flavors make them perfect for sharing or enjoying with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to customize them by adding chocolate chips or nuts according to your taste!
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect festive treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With their soft texture and delightful combination of warming spices like ginger and cinnamon, these cookies bring comfort and joy to every bite. The crinkled appearance, dusted with powdered sugar, makes them visually appealing, while their rich molasses flavor leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging on a cozy winter evening, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite. Easy to make and versatile in serving options, they also make for thoughtful gifts during the festive season.
Ingredients
- 2 ⅔ 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
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup molasses
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter with brown sugar until fluffy; mix in egg, molasses, and vanilla.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just blended.
- Scoop dough into balls and roll in powdered sugar.
- Place on prepared baking sheets and bake for about 10 minutes, until edges are firm but centers remain soft.
- Cool on racks before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Christmas
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
