Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the aroma of gingerbread wafting through your home. It takes me back to cozy holiday gatherings, where laughter filled the air and the scent of spices danced around us. Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies have become a staple in my kitchen not just because they taste divine, but because they capture that warm feeling of togetherness I cherish. The crinkly tops dusted with powdered sugar evoke a sense of celebration, transforming any ordinary day into something special.

Why you’ll love this recipe

These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a delightful blend of spice and sweet, offering that perfect holiday hug in cookie form. Imagine biting into a velvety soft cookie that gives way to a burst of warm ginger, cinnamon, and a hint of molasses. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of sinking your teeth into a piece of gingerbread, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. The crinkly exterior, coated in powdered sugar, not only makes them incredibly Instagrammable but also adds a sweet contrast to their spiced depth.

What truly makes this recipe stand out is how incredibly easy it is to whip up. You don’t need any extravagant ingredients or complicated techniques—just wholesome items you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, let’s be honest, these cookies are a hit with both kids and adults alike, making them an excellent choice for family gatherings or cookie swaps. They’re more than just cookies; they’re a delicious manifestation of the season’s spirit. What’s not to love?

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk about the ingredients that will transform your kitchen into a ginger-spiced wonderland:

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): This is the foundation of our cookie. It gives structure and texture. Feel free to swap with a gluten-free blend if you’re dealing with dietary restrictions.

• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): This isn’t just a leavening agent; it’s what helps our cookies rise and gives them that delightful crinkle.

• Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): The star of the show! Freshly ground is best for a vibrant, zesty flavor.

• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Doubles as a warm hug for your palate. Cinnamon enhances the earthy flavors and complements the ginger perfectly.

• Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a spicy kick. A little goes a long way, giving our cookies depth.

• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness, making each bite resonate beautifully. It’s the unsung hero that elevates the flavors.

• Unsalted butter, softened (3/4 cup): Rich and creamy, this is what brings everything together. Always use unsalted for more control over the sweetness and saltiness.

• Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): This gives our cookies that lovely chewiness and deep flavor. If you’re out, white sugar works in a pinch but won’t yield the same richness.

• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Helps create that pretty powdered sugar crust that makes our cookies irresistible.

• Large egg (1): The binder that holds everything together—necessary for that chewy texture.

• Molasses (1/4 cup): The secret ingredient! It imparts a rich flavor and dark color. Use a dark variety for the best results.

• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A classic friend to almost any baked good, it rounds out the flavors beautifully.

• Powdered sugar: For dusting, making our cookies look like they just emerged from a winter wonderland.

Preparing Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Now that we’ve got our ingredients, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for a perfect bake, so don’t skip this step!

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This step is your chance to infuse those wonderful spices right into the flour—mix it up well!

3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until it’s light and fluffy. You want to beat in some air here, so go ahead and give it a good mix—about 3-4 minutes should do the trick.

4. Next, beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla. Trust me, this is where the magic happens. The mixture will transform into a silky-smooth delight.

5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough. We want soft cookies, not tough!

6. Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll it into balls. Don’t worry about making them perfect; the crinkles will take care of that!

7. Coat the dough balls in powdered sugar until they’re fully covered. It’s a fun step and gives a delightful sweetness.

8. Place the sugar-coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them as they will spread.

9. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for the edges to be set and the tops crinkled, then you know they’re ready!

10. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step keeps them soft; patience is key!

Best way to enjoy it

These cookies are deliciously versatile! Serve them warm with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of spiced tea. You could even sandwich a bit of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an elevated dessert experience. If you’re feeling fancy, consider placing them on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats for a delightful dessert spread.

How to store and freeze

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them even longer, freeze the uncooked dough in portions, wrapped tightly. When the mood strikes, just pop them straight into the oven from the freezer; they might need an extra couple of minutes in the oven, but that’s a small price to pay for immediate cookie gratification!

Pro chef tips

• Don’t skimp on the butter. Using room-temperature butter ensures those lovely crinkles.

• For an added depth of flavor, consider toasting your spices in a dry pan for a minute before mixing, waking them up and intensifying their aromas.

• If you’re like me and love a bit of texture, add in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a twist.

• Want more spice? Increase the ginger or cinnamon to suit your taste.

• If you’re baking in a high altitude, you might need to adjust your flour and sugar amounts slightly.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Try incorporating a teaspoon of orange zest for a refreshing brightness that pairs beautifully with the spices. Or swap out some molasses for honey for a different flavor profile. If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, consider using less powdered sugar for the coating—it’ll still look lovely, just a tad less sweet.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions to follow

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg, molasses, and vanilla until well combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll into balls.
7. Roll the balls in powdered sugar to coat completely.
8. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and tops are crinkled.
10. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet before transferring to wire rack.

Your questions answered

Q: How long does it take to make the cookies?
A: You can whip these up in just about an hour, including prep and baking time!

Q: Can I use a different sweetener?
A: Absolutely! You can experiment with maple syrup or agave, but keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.

Q: Why is my dough sticky?
A: It might be a little sticky if your butter was too warm. You can chill it for a bit before rolling.

Q: How can I change the flavor profile?
A: Try adding different spices like nutmeg or anise, or even a splash of peppermint extract for a holiday twist.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for structure.

I hope you’re as excited to make these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies as I always am! They’re not just a recipe; they’re an invitation to create warmth and happiness in every bite. So don your apron, gather your loved ones, and dive into this spiced adventure! Share your thoughts and any twists you tried—I love hearing how fellow bakers make this recipe their own. Happy baking!

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Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 42 hrs

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 24 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 100

Best Season: Winter

Description

Delightful Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are an easy-to-make treat that captures the warmth of the holiday season with a perfect blend of spices and sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Cookie Ingredients

• 2 ¹⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour (Can be substituted with gluten-free flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (Freshly ground is best)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• ³⁄₄ cup unsalted butter, softened (Use room temperature for best results)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ¹⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¹⁄₄ cup molasses (Use dark molasses for best flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• to taste as needed powdered sugar (For dusting)

Instructions

Baking the Cookies

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Mark as complete

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

   In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
   Mark as complete

3. Cream Butter and Sugars

   In another bowl, cream butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   Mark as complete

4. Combine Wet Ingredients

   Beat in egg, molasses, and vanilla until well combined.
   Mark as complete

5. Combine Mixtures

   Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
   Mark as complete

6. Form Cookies

   Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll it into balls. Roll the balls in powdered sugar to coat completely.
   Mark as complete

7. Bake Cookies

   Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
   Look for the edges to be set and the tops crinkled.
   Mark as complete

8. Cool Cookies

   Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 24

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 100kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 5g8%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 15mg5%

Sodium 40mg2%

Potassium 50mg2%

Total Carbohydrate 15g5%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 8g

Protein 1g2%

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Vitamin A 150 IU

Vitamin C 0 mg

Calcium 20 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 0 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.1 mg

Niacin 0.3 mg

Vitamin B6 0.01 mg

Folate 0 mcg

Vitamin B12 0 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.1 mg

Phosphorus 10 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 4 mg

Zinc 0.1 mg

Selenium 0 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. Uncooked dough can be frozen in portions.

Keywords: gingerbread, cookies, holiday, dessert