Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. These cookies are not only soft and chewy, but they also boast a warm blend of spices that makes them perfect for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations. With their beautiful crinkled tops dusted in powdered sugar, they stand out on any dessert table, making them an irresistible choice for both family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm and inviting flavor that everyone loves.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy evening at home, these cookies fit perfectly into any setting.
- Fun for the Kids: Baking these cookies can be an enjoyable activity for kids, allowing them to get creative with rolling and coating.
- Great for Gifting: Pack them up as gifts for friends and family; they make a thoughtful homemade present.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment will ensure your baking goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl ensures you have enough space to mix all your ingredients evenly without mess.
- Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet helps achieve even baking, resulting in perfectly cooked cookies every time.
- Cooling rack: Using a cooling rack allows your cookies to cool properly without becoming soggy on the bottom.
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
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 the cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent 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. Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
3. Add molasses and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
1. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough:
1. Roll them into balls.
2. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet:
1. Leave enough space between each ball as they will spread.
2. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies fresh or store them in an airtight container!
How to Serve Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season. They bring warmth and a festive spirit to any gathering.
Pair with Hot Beverages
- Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the spices in the cookies, making for a cozy combination.
- Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of hot chocolate adds sweetness that pairs well with the gingerbread’s spiciness.
- Spiced Tea: A cup of chai or other spiced tea enhances the cookie’s flavors, creating a delightful experience.
Add to Dessert Platters
- Cookie Assortments: Include these cookies in a mix with other holiday treats for an inviting platter.
- Cheese Boards: A selection of cheeses with gingerbread crinkle cookies can create an interesting flavor contrast.
Serve with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess balances the spiced flavors, creating a delicious dessert duo.
- Gingerbread Flavored Ice Cream: For gingerbread lovers, this pairing enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
How to Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To achieve the ultimate Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, follow these simple tips for baking success.
- Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your ground spices are fresh for maximum flavor impact. Old spices can lose their potency.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour before baking. This helps prevent spreading and promotes thicker cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be soft in the center when you pull them out, as they will firm up while cooling.
- Coat Generously in Powdered Sugar: Roll your cookies in powdered sugar before baking for that signature crinkle look and added sweetness.
Best Side Dishes for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins: These muffins echo similar spices found in gingerbread, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich cookie flavors.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites add creaminess that complements the spiced notes of the cookies.
- Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination is perfect for balancing out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Caramel Sauce Dip: Offer caramel sauce on the side as a dip, enhancing each bite with extra sweetness.
- Candied Nuts: Crunchy candied nuts provide texture and a slight sugar kick that pairs well with gingerbread flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be fun, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- ingredients: Using old or stale spices can affect the flavor. Always check the freshness of your ground ginger, cinnamon, and other spices before baking.
- measuring errors: Not measuring flour accurately can lead to dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method for precision.
- neglecting chill time: Skipping the chilling step may cause cookies to spread too much. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- overbaking: Baking cookies for too long can make them hard instead of soft. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they’re just set.
- ignoring cooling time: Not allowing cookies to cool properly can lead to a crumbly texture. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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 single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
- Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, where they can last for up to three months.
Reheating Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), then warm cookies for about 5 minutes for optimal softness.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, warming each cookie for 1-2 minutes until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.
How do I achieve soft cookies?
To ensure your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are soft, do not overbake them. Remove them from the oven as soon as they look set.
Can I use different spices?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for specific spices, feel free to experiment with others like cardamom or allspice for unique flavors.
What if I don’t have molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes! These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies freeze well. Just follow the freezing instructions above.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
Final Thoughts
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. Their delightful taste and inviting aroma make them a must-try treat. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips or nuts according to your preference!
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the quintessential holiday treat, combining a soft, chewy texture with a warm blend of spices that evoke the cozy spirit of winter. Each cookie features a beautiful crinkled top dusted with powdered sugar, making them not only delicious but visually appealing for any festive gathering. This easy-to-follow recipe allows bakers of all skill levels to create these delightful cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends or gifting to loved ones. With their aromatic spices and sweet flavor, they are sure to become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- Powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat 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 butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, then add molasses and vanilla.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
- Roll tablespoon-sized dough portions into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
- Place on the baking sheet with space in between and bake for about 10 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
