Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, perfect for sharing at festive gatherings or enjoying with a cup of cocoa. These cookies offer a delightful blend of soft, chewy texture and warm spices, all topped with a beautiful crackled sugar coat. Their nostalgic appearance and classic flavors make them a standout choice for Christmas celebrations and other occasions throughout the winter season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies can be whipped up in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses gives these cookies a rich, warm taste that embodies the spirit of the holidays.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just a cozy night at home with family.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful crackled surface dusted with sugar makes these cookies visually appealing on any dessert platter.
• Make Ahead Option: The dough can be prepared in advance and chilled, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you need them.

Tools and Preparation

To make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies successfully, having the right tools will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Helps achieve the perfect light and fluffy texture when creaming butter and sugar.
• Mixing bowls: Different sizes are useful for separating wet and dry ingredients while mixing.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking on your cookie sheets.

Ingredients

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies require the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Rolling

• ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).

Step 2: Shape and Coat

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Scoop out dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form 1-inch balls.
3. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar until coated evenly.
4. Then roll in powdered sugar for an extra sweet finish.

Step 3: Bake

1. Place the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each one.
2. Bake for 10–12 minutes until cookies are puffed up with crackled tops.
3. Allow cookies to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

By following these steps, you’ll create delicious Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies that are sure to impress during any holiday gathering!

How to Serve Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any holiday gathering. Here are some creative ways to serve these cookies and enhance your festive celebrations.

With a Glass of Milk

• Enjoy the classic pairing of gingerbread cookies with cold milk for a comforting treat.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a festive platter alongside other holiday sweets like fudge and peppermint bark for a colorful dessert table.

With Hot Cocoa

• Serve warm cookies alongside steaming cups of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream for a cozy winter indulgence.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

• Package cookies in decorative bags or boxes as thoughtful holiday gifts for friends and family.

With Ice Cream

• Sandwich two cookies around a scoop of vanilla or ginger ice cream for an exciting twist on dessert.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Achieving the perfect Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out soft, chewy, and beautifully crackled.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies maintain their shape and texture.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can elevate the flavor profile of your cookies, making them even more aromatic and flavorful.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be puffed and cracked but still soft in the center when you take them out.
• Roll Generously: Make sure each cookie ball is generously coated in both granulated and powdered sugar for that signature crinkle effect.
• Cool Properly: Letting the cookies cool on the pan before transferring them to a wire rack allows them to set perfectly without breaking.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can enhance your holiday spread. Here are some delightful options that complement their spiced flavor beautifully.

1. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm apple cider with cinnamon sticks creates a fragrant beverage that pairs well with ginger flavors.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, particularly sharp cheddar or creamy brie, provides a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
3. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the cookies.
4. Pecan Pie Bars: These sweet bars offer a nutty flavor that harmonizes with the spices in gingerbread.
5. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup is comforting and complements the spices found in the gingerbread.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip cookie pieces into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are a few pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the chill time: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much during baking. Always chill the dough for at least an hour for the best results.
• Incorrect measuring of ingredients: Using too much flour or sugar can alter the texture and flavor of your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven affects how the cookies rise and crackle. Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing your cookies inside.
• Overbaking the cookies: Leaving cookies in the oven too long can make them dry. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are puffy with crackled tops.
• Using old spices: Old spices can diminish the flavor of your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. Always check your spices for freshness and replace any that have been sitting on your shelf for too long.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration*: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• • Container*: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• • Layering*: Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

• • Duration*: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
• • Container*: Use freezer-safe bags or airtight containers.
• • Thawing*: Let thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds on medium power, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may slightly change the texture. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for balance.

How do I make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies vegan?

To make these cookies vegan, substitute butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough before rolling them into balls.

What is the best way to store leftover Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them as mentioned above to keep them fresh longer.

How do I know when my Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be puffed up with crackled tops; they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are not just delicious; they’re also versatile, making them a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering. You can customize these treats by adjusting spices or adding mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy sharing these delightful cookies with family and friends!

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Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines soft, chewy textures with warm spices, making them perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home. These cookies are adorned with a beautiful crackled sugar coat, giving them an appealing look that evokes nostalgia and holiday cheer. With their rich flavor from ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, they embody the spirit of the season. Easy to whip up and versatile enough for cookie exchanges or as gifts, these cookies will surely impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• ⅓ cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla; mix well.
3. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls; roll in granulated sugar followed by powdered sugar.
6. Place on prepared baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until puffed with crackled tops. Cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 95
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 8mg