Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that can fill any home with the warmth of the holiday season. These soft, chewy cookies boast a spiced flavor profile that will awaken your taste buds. With a simple ingredient list and easy-to-follow directions, making these cookies can become a cherished tradition in your household. Whether you’re looking to share with family or keep a secret stash for yourself, Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are sure to satisfy.
Why Make This Recipe
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are perfect for several reasons. First and foremost, they embody the classic flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, which are synonymous with holiday baking. They are not only tasty but also visually appealing, with their crackled sugar coating making them stand out on any dessert platter.
Additionally, this recipe is straightforward and quick, allowing even novice bakers to create a delicious batch of cookies without overwhelming complexity. The dough chilling step enhances the flavors and makes the rolling process easier. Plus, these cookies store well, making them an excellent make-ahead option!
How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of chilled dough and roll them in powdered sugar.
- Place the rolled cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set.
- Allow to cool before enjoying.
Pro Tips for Success with Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Make sure to let the dough chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and egg are at room temperature for a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you incorporate the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender.
- Fresh Spices: Use fresh spices for maximum flavor. If your spices have been sitting around for a while, consider replacing them for the best results.
- Uniform Size: For evenly baked cookies, try to scoop cookie dough balls of uniform size.
Flavor Variations
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be customized in several fun and delightful ways:
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in a half cup of chocolate chips to add a rich and sweet contrast to the spiced flavors.
- Nuts: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and added texture.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Spice Variation: Experiment with adding a touch of cardamom or nutmeg for a unique flavor profile.
- Frosting: Drizzle a simple glaze or royal icing over the cookies for extra sweetness and decoration.
Serving Suggestions
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are delicious on their own or paired with a variety of drinks:
- Serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Pair with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination that your kids will love.
- These cookies also make fantastic gifts when presented in a decorative tin or box for the holidays!
Storage and Freezing Instructions
To keep your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies fresh:
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dough for after-the-holidays baking! Roll the cookie dough into balls, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top plastic bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|———————–|——–|
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 80mg |
FAQ About Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making it denser. You could try using half and half to maintain a lighter cookie while incorporating some whole grain goodness.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is recommended as it helps the cookies keep their shape and enhances the flavors. If you are short on time, you can skip this step, but it may result in slightly flatter cookies.
What if I don’t have molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will be slightly different. If using honey or syrup, consider reducing the amount by a tablespoon, as they are sweeter and more liquid.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are set and the centers slightly appear underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven, so it’s better to slightly underbake them than to overbake!
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, including baking powder, are also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are not just another holiday dessert; they are an expression of warmth, love, and tradition. Making these cookies can easily become a part of your holiday festivities, allowing you to create lasting memories with family and friends. With their soft, chewy texture and delightful spices, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on your baking adventure. Happy baking!
Print
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies filled with festive spices, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of chilled dough and roll them in powdered sugar.
- Place the rolled cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set.
- Allow to cool before enjoying.
Notes
Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American