Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect treat for any festive occasion. These delightful cookies combine warm spices and a soft texture, making them irresistible. Their crinkled appearance, dusted with powdered sugar, adds a charming touch that makes them suitable for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. The rich flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses create a unique taste experience that will have everyone coming back for more.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Dough
- For Coating
- How to Make Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Step 5: Shape Cookies
- Step 6: Coat in Powdered Sugar
- Step 7: Bake
- How to Serve Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- With a Hot Beverage
- As Dessert Platters
- For Holiday Gatherings
- How to Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Best Side Dishes for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Reheating Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I achieve the perfect texture for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
- Can I substitute ingredients in Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
- What is the best way to store Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- What variations can I try with this recipe?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices like ginger and cinnamon gives these cookies a warm, inviting taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking becomes a breeze.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make excellent gifts or treats for friends and family during the holiday season.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as dessert, snack, or even breakfast with coffee!
- Festive Appearance: The crinkle effect topped with powdered sugar makes them visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing to make Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is simple with the right tools at hand. Gather the essentials to streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
- Whisk: A whisk helps in achieving a light and airy mixture when combining butter and sugar.
- Baking sheet: Using a good quality baking sheet ensures even baking for perfectly soft 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 from the start.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl:
Combine the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
Whisk together until well mixed.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl:
Beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together until it’s light and fluffy.
Add in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture:
1. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
2. The dough should be thick but soft.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or spoon:
Scoop out portions of dough.
Roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 6: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Roll each ball in powdered sugar until well coated. This will give your cookies their signature crinkle look.
Step 7: Bake
Place the coated dough balls on a lined baking sheet:
Bake for about 10 minutes or until they begin to crack.
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Enjoy your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies! They are sure to become a favorite during your holiday celebrations.
How to Serve Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and spiced gingerbread crinkle cookies are delightful treats perfect for any festive occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee: A rich cup of coffee complements the warm spices in the cookies.
- Tea: Choose a spiced chai or herbal tea for a cozy pairing.
- Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies with a creamy hot chocolate for a sweet indulgence.
As Dessert Platters
- Cookie Platter: Arrange soft and spiced gingerbread crinkle cookies on a decorative platter alongside other holiday cookies.
- Cheese Board: Pair them with soft cheeses like brie for a unique flavor combination.
For Holiday Gatherings
- Gift Bags: Package them in festive bags as homemade gifts for friends and family.
- Dessert Table: Feature them prominently on your holiday dessert table, showcasing their beautiful crinkle pattern.
How to Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your soft and spiced gingerbread crinkle cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour helps enhance the flavors and makes it easier to handle.
- Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are fresh for maximum flavor impact.
- Proper Measuring: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid dense cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove from the oven when they look slightly underbaked; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet.
- Coat Generously: Roll each cookie in powdered sugar before baking for that signature crinkle effect.
Best Side Dishes for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
These soft and spiced gingerbread crinkle cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some tasty options to consider.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess balances out the spices perfectly.
- Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote adds sweetness and complements the cookie’s flavors beautifully.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream is an excellent topping choice for added richness.
- Spiced Nuts: Crunchy spiced nuts provide texture and additional warmth.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a contrasting creamy texture that pairs well with gingerbread.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.
- Boldly measuring ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
- Boldly skipping chill time: Allowing the dough to chill helps the cookies maintain their shape. Don’t skip this step!
- Boldly using stale spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Ensure your ginger, cinnamon, and other spices are fresh for the best taste.
- Boldly overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for soft results.
- Boldly ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a skillet for a few minutes until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, we’ve got answers!
How do I achieve the perfect texture for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
To get that perfect texture, make sure not to overmix the dough. Mix until just combined for soft, chewy cookies.
Can I substitute ingredients in Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
Yes! You can swap molasses with honey or maple syrup, though it will change the flavor slightly.
What is the best way to store Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture!
Final Thoughts
These Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various mix-ins or spices according to your taste. Try making a batch this holiday season; they’re sure to become a favorite!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
PrintSoft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Indulge in the festive spirit with Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, a delightful holiday treat that captures the essence of cozy gatherings. These cookies feature a soft and chewy texture, infused with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a flavor profile that is both comforting and inviting. The charming crinkle effect, dusted with powdered sugar, adds a beautiful touch, making them perfect for cookie exchanges or as thoughtful gifts. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can whip up these scrumptious cookies in no time. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven alongside your favorite hot beverage or share them at your next holiday gathering to spread joy and warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients
- 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
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and roll in powdered sugar.
- Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes or until crinkled.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
