Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect holiday treat that captures the essence of the season. With their soft, chewy texture and delightful spice blend, these cookies shine at any festive gathering. Not only do they taste great, but their charming crinkle appearance also makes them a visual treat. Ideal for cookie exchanges or as a cozy dessert for winter evenings, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple steps and common ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The warm spices like ginger and cinnamon create a comforting aroma and taste that everyone loves.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or just to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Beautiful Presentation: The crinkled tops dusted with powdered sugar make these cookies visually appealing on any dessert table.
- Make Ahead: These cookies stay fresh for days, allowing you to prepare them in advance for busy holiday schedules.
Tools and Preparation
To make Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your baking process and improve results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to easily combine ingredients without spilling.
- Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a smooth batter quickly, ensuring proper mixing of butter and sugar.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents warping in the oven.
Ingredients
For the Cookie 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, for coating
How to Make Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture until everything is smooth.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. This helps improve the texture of your cookies.
Step 7: Form Cookies
Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Coat each ball in powdered sugar before placing them on your prepared baking sheets.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they have spread out slightly. The edges should be set while the center remains soft.
Step 9: Cool
Let them 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 delicious cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just enjoying them with a cup of tea, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Pair with Hot Beverages
- Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the spices in the cookies.
- Hot Chocolate: A sweet and creamy drink that pairs perfectly with gingerbread.
- Tea: Choose spiced or herbal teas to match the warmth of the cookies.
Festive Platter
- Cookie Tray: Arrange the gingerbread crinkle cookies on a festive plate alongside other holiday cookies for a delightful display.
- Gift Boxes: Package them in decorative boxes for a charming homemade gift.
Add Some Dips
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A sweet dip that adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle over the cookies for a decadent treat.
How to Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To achieve the best texture and flavor in your gingerbread crinkle cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your ground spices are fresh for optimal flavor; old spices can dull the taste.
- Measure Accurately: Use proper measuring techniques to ensure you have the right amount of flour and sugar.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when they’re still soft; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Coat Generously: Roll each cookie in powdered sugar before baking for that classic crinkle effect.
Best Side Dishes for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Soft and spiced gingerbread crinkle cookies can be enjoyed with various side dishes. Here are some ideas that pair well:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creamy sweetness and balances the spices.
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of gingerbread.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can enhance the savory aspect, creating an interesting flavor combination.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and complement the cookie’s texture beautifully.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fruits and granola for a wholesome dessert option alongside your cookies.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over cookies creates an indulgent treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially when making Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Incorrect Measurements: Using the wrong amount of flour or sugar can alter the texture. Always measure accurately with proper tools.
- Skipping Chilling Time: Not chilling the dough may lead to cookies that spread too much. Allow your dough to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Not Using Fresh Spices: Old spices can lessen flavor. Ensure your ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are fresh for maximum taste.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature affects cookie texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate heat.
- Not Coating with Powdered Sugar: Skipping this step may lead to less visually appealing cookies. Generously coat your cookies with powdered sugar for that crinkle effect.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- item Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- item Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- item They can be stored 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.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for several minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.
How can I make my Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when they are still slightly underbaked.
Can I substitute ingredients in Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
Yes! You can use coconut oil instead of butter or substitute maple syrup for molasses if needed.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread excessively, try chilling the dough longer before baking or adding more flour gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
How do I know when Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are done?
They should have set edges with a soft center that is slightly puffy. The tops should also display cracks.
Final Thoughts
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies offer delightful flavors perfect for any occasion. They provide warmth during chilly days and can easily be customized with toppings or spices. Try adding chocolate chips or nuts for a unique twist!
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining a rich blend of warm spices with a soft, chewy texture. These cookies not only taste divine but also boast a charming crinkled appearance that makes them a showstopper at any festive gathering. Perfect for cookie exchanges or cozy winter evenings, they will quickly become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire. Easy to make with common ingredients, this recipe is suitable for bakers of all skill levels. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or paired with a steaming cup of tea, these delightful cookies promise warmth and joy during the holiday season.
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just mixed; do not overmix.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before forming into balls and rolling in powdered sugar.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are set and centers remain soft.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
