Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Soft and spiced gingerbread crinkle cookies are the ultimate holiday treat! These festive cookies are perfectly soft on the inside with a beautiful crinkled sugar coating that adds a touch of magic. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply to enjoy with a cozy drink, these cookies deliver warm, spiced flavors in every bite.

What Are Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?

Gingerbread crinkle cookies are a delightful twist on traditional gingerbread. With the same warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies boast a tender, chewy texture. Their signature crinkled appearance comes from rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking, creating a unique look that’s both rustic and elegant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday Perfect: A festive addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
• Soft and Chewy: Perfectly balanced texture that stays moist for days.
• Easy to Make: Straightforward steps and no special equipment needed.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (110g) brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup (80ml) molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Coating:

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, followed by the molasses and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Chilling the Dough

6. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step ensures the dough is easy to work with and enhances the flavor.

Shaping and Baking

7. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls.
8. Generously coat each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring an even layer.
9. Place the sugar-coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies puff up and develop a crackled surface.

Cooling

11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these gingerbread crinkle cookies with:

• Hot cocoa: The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the spices.
• Coffee or tea: Perfect for an afternoon treat.
• Vanilla ice cream: Turn these cookies into an elegant holiday dessert by serving them alongside a scoop.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Place a piece of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing Instructions

• To Freeze Dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, coat the frozen balls in powdered sugar and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• To Freeze Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Vegan: Substitute butter with vegan butter, use flaxseed as an egg replacement, and ensure your sugar and molasses are vegan-friendly.
• Extra Spices: Add a pinch of allspice for an even spicier kick.

FAQs

Q: Can I skip the chilling step?
A: Chilling is important for keeping the dough firm and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Q: Why didn’t my cookies crackle?
A: Ensure the dough is properly chilled and rolled generously in powdered sugar for the best crackled effect.

Q: Can I use blackstrap molasses?
A: Blackstrap molasses is more robust and less sweet than regular molasses, which could alter the flavor. For classic gingerbread taste, stick with regular molasses.

Soft and spiced gingerbread crinkle cookies are a must-try for the holiday season. Their cozy spices and eye-catching appearance make them an irresistible treat that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying with loved ones. Try this recipe today and fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked gingerbread!

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