Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, bringing warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings. These cookies boast a soft texture and delightful spices, making them a favorite among cookie lovers. With their beautiful crinkle tops and rich flavors, they’re not just delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you’re baking for a festive celebration or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, these cookies make every moment sweeter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these delightful cookies.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm flavor profile that’s perfect for winter.
- Perfect for Sharing: Yielding 24 cookies, they’re ideal for holiday parties or gifting to friends and family.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert or snack; they pair wonderfully with coffee or hot cocoa.
- Festive Appearance: The crinkled surface dusted with powdered sugar adds an attractive touch to your cookie platter.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more 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 good-sized mixing bowl ensures you have enough space to blend all your ingredients without spilling.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet promotes even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
Ingredients
To make Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60ml) molasses
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Coating Sugar
- 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). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the moment they go in.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Ground ginger
3. Ground cinnamon
4. Ground cloves
5. Ground nutmeg
6. Baking soda
7. Salt
This step combines all the spices and dry ingredients needed for your cookies.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat together:
1. Softened unsalted butter
2. Brown sugar
Use an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
To the butter-sugar mixture, add:
1. Large egg
2. Molasses
3. Vanilla extract
Mix until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this helps maintain softness in your cookies.
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop:
1. Scoop out dough
2. Roll into balls
Then roll each ball in powdered sugar until well coated.
Step 7: Bake Your Cookies
Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
Step 8: Cool Down
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Now you have delicious Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies make a delightful treat any time of year, especially during the holiday season. Their rich spices and soft texture pair perfectly with various accompaniments.
With Hot Beverages
- Coffee: The bold flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of gingerbread.
- Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies with creamy hot chocolate for a cozy pairing.
- Chai Tea: The spiced notes in chai enhance the warm flavors of the cookies.
On a Dessert Platter
- Assorted Cookies: Include a mix of holiday cookies to create a festive dessert platter.
- Brownies: Pair these crinkle cookies with fudgy brownies for varied textures.
- Mini Cheesecakes: A light cheesecake balances the spiciness of gingerbread.
As a Gift
- Wrapped in Cellophane: Package these cookies in festive wrapping for a lovely homemade gift.
- In a Jar: Layer cookies in a mason jar, adding decorative elements for presentation.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic flavor complements the spiced notes beautifully.
- Ginger Ice Cream: For an extra kick, pair your cookies with ginger-flavored ice cream.
How to Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To ensure your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies turn out perfectly, consider these tips:
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices provide more flavor than older ones.
- Chill the Dough: Allow the dough to chill for at least an hour. This helps with rolling and enhances the flavors.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be soft in the center when done.
- Coat Evenly in Powdered Sugar: Ensure each cookie is well-coated for that signature crinkle look and extra sweetness.
- Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness.
Best Side Dishes for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be complemented by some delicious side dishes, enhancing your dessert experience.
- Cheese Platter: Serve with assorted cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar for a savory contrast.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the richness of cookies.
- Pumpkin Pie: The warm spices in pumpkin pie echo those found in gingerbread, making them a great duo.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and additional flavor to your dessert spread.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit as a refreshing side dish option.
- Apple Sauce: Serve warm apple sauce alongside for a nostalgic touch that pairs well with ginger flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be a joy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using stale spices – Freshness is key. Always check the expiration date on your spices to ensure maximum flavor.
- Overmixing the dough – This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until all ingredients are combined for a softer texture.
- Not chilling the dough – Skipping this step can result in flat cookies. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Measuring flour incorrectly – Too much flour can dry out your cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
- Not preheating the oven – Baking in an unheated oven can affect cookie consistency. Always preheat your oven before placing your cookies inside.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store your cookies in an airtight container.
- item They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- item Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually.
- item Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to three months.
Reheating Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for best results.
- Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat it!
- Stovetop – Warm gently in a pan over low heat until just heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.
How do I make my cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, avoid overbaking them and consider adding an extra tablespoon of molasses or butter.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but expect a denser texture.
What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
How do I know when they are done baking?
Cookies are done when they have spread slightly and the edges are set, but the center remains soft. They will continue cooking as they cool.
Final Thoughts
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Their delightful flavors and chewy texture make them a favorite among many. Enjoy customizing this recipe with different spices or toppings to suit your taste!
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Description
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat that perfectly embodies the warmth and joy of the season. These irresistibly soft cookies are infused with a delightful blend of spices, including ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, creating a cozy flavor profile that resonates with festive cheer. Their signature crinkled tops, dusted with powdered sugar, not only add visual appeal but also enhance the cookie’s sweet taste. Whether you’re sharing them at holiday gatherings or enjoying them by the fireplace, these cookies bring comfort to any occasion. Easy to make and perfect for gifting, Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies will quickly become your go-to recipe for festive baking.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- Powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture; mix well.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients into wet mixture until just blended.
- Scoop dough into balls and roll in powdered sugar.
- Place on a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart; bake for approximately 10 minutes until lightly browned.
- Allow to cool briefly on the sheet before transferring to wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
