Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect blend of warmth and sweetness, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. These cookies feature a soft, chewy texture and a delightful spiced flavor that will fill your home with holiday cheer. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging yourself, these crinkle cookies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a unique taste that captures the essence of the holiday season.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, baking these cookies is a breeze, even for beginners.
- Perfect for Sharing: Yielding 24 servings, these cookies are great for cookie exchanges or as sweet gifts for friends and family.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as an afternoon snack or serve them at holiday parties; they fit perfectly in any setting.
- Fun to Decorate: The powdered sugar coating gives these cookies a festive look that’s fun to create and makes them visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is crucial for combining ingredients evenly without spills.
- Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet ensures even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly baked cookies.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Cookie scoop: A cookie scoop helps you portion out the dough consistently for uniform cookies.
Ingredients
For the 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, whisk together the following:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Ground ginger
3. Ground cinnamon
4. Ground cloves
5. Ground nutmeg
6. Baking soda
7. Salt
Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Brown sugar
Use a mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
To the butter-sugar mixture, add:
1. Egg
2. Molasses
3. Vanilla extract
Mix until everything is incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until no flour streaks remain.
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form dough balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 7: Bake
Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are firm but centers appear soft.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the 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
These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family nights, or festive cookie exchanges. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
With Hot Beverages
- Coffee – A classic pairing; the rich flavors of coffee complement the spices beautifully.
- Hot Chocolate – Enjoy a sweet treat with creamy hot chocolate for a comforting combination.
- Spiced Tea – Serve with a warm cup of spiced tea to accentuate the ginger and cinnamon notes.
As Dessert Platter
- Cookie Assortment – Combine with other holiday cookies for a colorful platter that pleases all tastes.
- Cheese Board – Pair with soft cheeses like brie to create a unique flavor contrast.
Gift-Worthy Presentation
- Holiday Tins – Pack these cookies in decorative tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Cookie Jars – Present them in clear jars tied with ribbons for an eye-catching display.
How to Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To ensure your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour helps prevent spreading while baking.
- Use Fresh Spices – Ensure your ground ginger, cinnamon, and other spices are fresh for maximum flavor.
- Roll Evenly – Roll the dough into uniform balls to promote even baking and consistent size.
- Avoid Overbaking – Bake just until the edges are set; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Coat Generously – Roll each cookie ball in powdered sugar before baking for that signature crinkle effect.
Best Side Dishes for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
These cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great choices.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
- Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream can provide a delightful topping when served warm.
- Fruit Compote – A warm fruit compote pairs well, adding a fruity contrast to the spiced cookies.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits – A bowl of mixed nuts or dried fruits can offer a crunchy texture alongside the soft cookies.
- Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites add richness that contrasts nicely with the cookies’ flavor profile.
- Chocolate Fondue – Provide melted chocolate for dipping; it creates an interactive dessert experience.
- Spiced Nuts – Offer spiced nuts on the side for an extra crunch that matches the cookie’s flavor.
- Caramel Sauce – Drizzle caramel sauce over or serve on the side for added sweetness and indulgence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure accuracy.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of soft ones.
- Skipping the chill time: Allowing the dough to chill helps create that perfect texture and prevents spreading during baking.
- Using stale spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Check expiration dates on your ground ginger, cinnamon, and other spices before use.
- Not coating enough in powdered sugar: The powdered sugar gives these cookies their crinkle effect. Make sure to coat them generously before baking.
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 container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies special?
These cookies combine warm spices with a soft texture, creating a delightful holiday treat that melts in your mouth.
Can I substitute molasses?
Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup as alternatives, but they will slightly alter the flavor.
How can I customize my Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for different flavors and textures!
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Their charming appearance makes them ideal gifts during the holiday season.
Final Thoughts
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are not just delicious; they evoke warmth and nostalgia. These cookies are versatile, allowing for various customization options based on your preferences. Try this recipe today and share them with friends and family!
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that perfectly blend warmth and sweetness. With a soft, chewy texture and a rich spiced flavor profile featuring ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies are sure to evoke the spirit of the season. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they yield 24 servings, making them perfect for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as thoughtful gifts. The powdered sugar coating gives them an inviting appearance, while their versatile nature means they can be enjoyed alongside coffee, hot chocolate, or even on a dessert platter. Experience the joy of baking these irresistible cookies and share them with loved ones for a memorable holiday celebration.
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop out dough balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and roll each in powdered sugar.
- Place on a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart and bake for 10 minutes.
- Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (28g)
- Calories: 113
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
