Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

The holidays are synonymous with delicious baked goods, and there’s nothing quite as festive as gingerbread. This classic flavor, combined with the irresistible texture of crinkle cookies, makes for an extraordinary holiday treat. Whether you’re baking for your family or bringing a batch to a holiday gathering, Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Learn how to make these soft, spiced cookies that boast a chewy center, a crackled sugar coating, and the warm, nostalgic flavor of gingerbread.

What Are Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional gingerbread. They’re a hybrid of the chewy, spiced taste of gingerbread cookies and the signature crinkly surface of crinkle cookies. The combination results in a treat that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. When baked, these cookies have a slightly crisp exterior with a soft and spiced center, making them the ideal holiday dessert.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

To make about 24 cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (80ml) molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for rolling

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg). Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This will help create a nice texture in the cookies.
4. Add Molasses and Egg: Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until combined. Molasses not only adds sweetness but enhances the rich, warm flavor of gingerbread.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cookies tough.
6. Chill the Dough: For best results, cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into balls and helps the cookies maintain their shape when baked.
7. Roll in Powdered Sugar: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough. Roll it into a ball and then roll it in powdered sugar until fully coated. The powdered sugar will create the signature crinkled look as the cookies bake.
8. Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is soft.
9. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy with a warm cup of holiday spiced tea or hot chocolate!

Tips for the Best Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

• Use Fresh Spices: The key to great gingerbread flavor is using fresh, high-quality spices. Make sure your ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are fresh for the best flavor.
• Molasses Matters: Dark molasses will provide a deeper flavor, while light molasses will keep it milder. Choose according to your taste preference.
• Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right texture and shape. It also helps the cookies not spread too much during baking.

Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

• Perfect for Holiday Gifting: These cookies are great for sharing with friends and family. They look festive and taste even better.
• Versatile and Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Irresistibly Soft and Chewy: The combination of molasses, butter, and spices creates cookies that are soft in the middle and have a delightful chew.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a holiday classic that never goes out of style. With their warm spices, crackled surface, and soft center, they capture the essence of the season in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or simply enjoying them by the fire, these cookies are sure to bring joy and festive cheer. Give this recipe a try and create a holiday treat that your family and friends will love!

Serving and Storage Tips for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

To make sure your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible, here are some essential serving and storage tips:

Serving Tips:

• Pair with Beverages: These cookies pair beautifully with holiday drinks like hot chocolate, eggnog, spiced chai, or a warm cup of tea. The combination of the spiced gingerbread flavors with a cozy drink creates the perfect treat moment.
• Serve Fresh: Serve the cookies within a day or two of baking for the best taste and texture. They’re best enjoyed when they’re still slightly warm or at room temperature.
• Garnish with a Twist: For a festive touch, dust the cookies with a bit of extra powdered sugar right before serving or drizzle a little white icing across the tops for an added decorative flair.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will keep them soft and fresh.
• Freezing for Longer Storage: If you want to keep the cookies for a longer period, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for a couple of hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: To thaw frozen cookies, simply take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. For a warm, freshly-baked experience, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or place them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
• Keep the Texture: To maintain the cookies’ soft and chewy texture, try placing a slice of bread or a damp paper towel in the container to create a bit of humidity. This will help keep them from becoming too dry over time.

These serving and storage tips will ensure that your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies stay delicious and festive for any occasion!

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies ahead of time! Bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them properly before serving for the best texture.

2. What type of molasses is best to use?

For the richest flavor, it’s best to use dark molasses. This type provides a deeper, more robust gingerbread taste compared to light molasses. However, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can use light molasses. Avoid using blackstrap molasses as it can be too bitter for cookies.

3. Can I substitute the molasses in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile slightly. The cookies will be less traditional and slightly sweeter, so you may need to adjust the amount of spices to balance the flavors.

4. Why did my cookies not crinkle properly?

If your cookies didn’t develop the signature crinkle pattern, it could be due to the dough not being chilled long enough or not being coated well enough in powdered sugar. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it into balls and thoroughly coat them in powdered sugar to help create that cracked surface during baking.

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