Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of holiday baking, then look no further than these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. They are sweet, spiced, and oh-so-chewy, making them a favorite in our home during the festive season. I love making these cookies for family gatherings or cozy nights in with hot cocoa. The warm aroma of ginger and spices fills the air, creating a perfect ambiance for any winter occasion.

These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find joy in creating these treats that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple enough for even beginner bakers. You can have these cookies ready in under an hour!
• Perfect for Sharing: With 24 cookies per batch, they’re great for sharing at parties or holiday cookie swaps.
• Deliciously Spiced: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg gives each bite a festive flavor that everyone craves during the holidays.
• Fun to Make: Rolling the dough balls in sugar is a fun activity to do with kids or friends!
• Make Ahead: You can chill the dough ahead of time, making it easier to bake on busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Rolling

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few ways you can mix it up to suit your tastes:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with pumpkin spice or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.
• Decorate Them: After baking, add some icing on top or sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.

How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that all the spices are evenly distributed throughout your cookies. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air into your mixture and helps create that lovely soft texture we want in our cookies.

Step 3: Add Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla

Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. The molasses not only adds sweetness but also contributes to that rich color and flavor characteristic of gingerbread.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies; we want them soft and chewy!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps solidify the fat in your dough so that when baked, they maintain their shape and get those beautiful crinkles.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Preparing your baking sheets ahead of time makes it easy to transfer your cookie dough right from the mixing bowl to the oven.

Step 7: Roll Dough into Balls

Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar and then in powdered sugar. This creates that lovely snowy coating we associate with crinkle cookies!

Step 8: Bake

Place the dough balls on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still slightly soft—this ensures our cookies remain chewy after cooling.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow your cookies to cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy every bite of these delightful Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies with friends or family!

Pro Tips for Making Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Making the perfect Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll impress your friends and family!

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can make a significant difference in flavor. The more aromatic the spices, the more fragrant and flavorful your cookies will be.
• Chill the Dough: This step isn’t just about making the dough easier to handle; chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring that they stay thick and chewy.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look set around the edges but still soft in the center. This will ensure they remain chewy rather than turning crispy.
• Experiment with Coatings: While granulated and powdered sugar are traditional, you can also try rolling the cookie dough balls in colored sugar for a festive touch or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
• Store Properly: To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Placing a slice of bread alongside them can help maintain moisture.

How to Serve Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are not only tasty but also visually appealing! Here are some fun ways to serve them during your holiday gatherings.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds an elegant touch and enhances their festive appearance.
• Cinnamon Sprinkles: A sprinkle of cinnamon mixed with sugar on top can bring out even more warmth from the spices in the cookies.

Side Dishes

• Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of rich hot chocolate pairs perfectly with these cookies, creating a cozy winter experience that everyone will love.
• Spiced Apple Cider: This warm beverage complements the flavors of gingerbread beautifully and adds a festive flair to your dessert table.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast between warm and cold that makes each bite special.
• Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or gouda balances the sweetness of the cookies, providing a savory element that enhances your dessert spread.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies will not only taste delicious but also look stunning on any holiday table! Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavors any time during the busy holiday season. You can make the dough ahead of time or store baked cookies for future snacking!

Storing Leftovers

• Place completely cooled cookies in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider layering cookies with parchment paper.

Freezing

• To freeze unbaked cookie dough, scoop dough balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Baked cookies can be frozen as well; just ensure they are fully cooled.

Reheating

• For baked cookies, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common inquiries about Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies!

Can I make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixed with water or use applesauce as an alternative for moisture.

How do I store my Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for long-term storage.

What makes these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies special?

These cookies are soft and chewy with perfectly balanced spices that capture the essence of the holiday season, making them a delightful treat!

Can I add nuts to my Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a delicious crunch—just fold them into the dough before chilling.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies as much as I do! Their warm spices and chewy texture bring the spirit of the holidays right into your kitchen. Share these treats with family and friends, or keep them all to yourself—you deserve it! Happy baking!