Oh, let me tell you about gingerbread crinkle cookies! These little gems are the epitome of holiday baking—soft, chewy, and bursting with that warm, spicy ginger flavor that just wraps you in a cozy hug. I have this wonderful memory of making these cookies with my grandmother every Christmas. We’d roll the dough into balls, laughing as we coated them in powdered sugar until they looked like little snowballs. The smell that filled the kitchen was pure magic! And when you bite into one, the delightful combination of spices and that soft texture is simply irresistible. Trust me, these cookies aren’t just a treat—they’re a delicious way to make holiday memories!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delightful gingerbread crinkle cookies! Make sure to grab these ingredients before you start baking:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy!)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for coating
Trust me, having everything measured out and ready makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Alright, let’s dive into the delicious process of making these gingerbread crinkle cookies! Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with cookies that are not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a properly preheated oven ensures that your cookies bake evenly and have that lovely soft texture we all crave. So, set it and forget it for a few minutes while you get everything else ready!
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt. I like to whisk them together lightly until they’re well mixed. This step is key because it helps distribute the spices evenly throughout the cookie dough, giving every bite that warm gingerbread flavor. Just imagine the aroma already!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Now, let’s get to the good stuff! In another bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until it’s nice and smooth. I usually use a hand mixer for this, but you can totally do it by hand with a spatula if you’re feeling strong! You want it to look fluffy and creamy, like a dreamy cloud of sweetness.
Combining Wet Ingredients
Once your butter and sugar are creamed, it’s time to add the molasses and the egg. Mix those in until everything is well combined and smooth. The molasses adds that rich color and flavor, and the egg helps bind everything together. Trust me, this mixture is going to smell incredible!
Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix—just fold it in until you can’t see any more flour. You want to keep that dough nice and tender for the perfect chewy cookie!
Chilling the Dough
Here’s a crucial step: chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help solidify the butter and make the dough easier to handle, plus it helps the flavors meld together beautifully. So, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge while you do a little happy dance!
Rolling and Coating
Once your dough is chilled, take it out and roll it into small balls—about 1 inch in diameter. Then, coat each ball in powdered sugar until they’re generously covered. This is what gives them that beautiful crinkle effect when they bake. Just imagine how cute they’ll look!
Baking the Cookies
Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space in between each one. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re puffy and the tops start to crack. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on a wire rack before serving. Just try not to eat them all at once—although I totally won’t judge if you do!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk nutrition! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for these scrumptious gingerbread crinkle cookies. Keep in mind that these figures are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
So there you have it! These cookies are delightful treats that you can enjoy without feeling too guilty. Plus, with all that ginger goodness, you’re bound to feel a little festive cheer with every bite!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to bake these gingerbread crinkle cookies, here are some of my top tips to ensure you get the best results every time!
- Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you start. This helps it cream beautifully with the sugar, giving you that light, fluffy texture. If you forget, you can pop it in the microwave for just a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it!
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for making the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Plus, the flavors really come together during that time.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be puffy and have that lovely cracked top, but remember, they’ll continue to firm up a bit as they cool on the rack. You want them soft and chewy, not overbaked!
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. It also makes cleanup a breeze!
- Experiment with Spices: If you love a bold flavor, feel free to adjust the spices! A little extra ginger or cinnamon can really amp up the warmth and aroma of these cookies. Don’t be shy—make them your own!
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing or diving in. This helps them set perfectly and keeps that chewy texture intact.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re sure to create gingerbread crinkle cookies that will impress everyone around you. Happy baking, my friend!
Variations
Let’s get a little creative with these gingerbread crinkle cookies! There are so many fun ways to tweak the recipe and make it your own. Here are some of my favorite variations that I think you’ll love:
- Spicy Twist: If you’re a ginger lover like me, try adding an extra tablespoon of ground ginger or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a little heat. It’ll give your cookies a delightful kick that’ll warm you up!
- Cinnamon Swirl: Mix in an extra teaspoon of ground cinnamon or even some cinnamon sugar to the dough for an added layer of flavor. It’s like a cozy hug in cookie form!
- Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate chocolate chips or chunks into the dough for a rich, sweet contrast. The melty chocolate pairs perfectly with the spiced ginger, making each bite even more indulgent.
- Nutty Goodness: Toss in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and a bit of nuttiness. They bring a lovely texture that complements the chewy cookie.
- Fruity Delight: Add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a chewy, tart burst of flavor. It’s like a little surprise in every bite!
- Glazed Finish: For an extra fancy touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk over the cooled cookies. It adds a sweet, beautiful finish that looks just as good as it tastes!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create the ultimate gingerbread crinkle cookies that suit your taste buds. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve baked up a batch of these scrumptious gingerbread crinkle cookies, you might be wondering how to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Here’s what I do:
- Storing Cookies: Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once they’re cool, store them in an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper between each layer to keep them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. If you’re anything like me, they’ll be gone way before that!
- Freezing Cookies: If you want to save some for later (or just can’t resist baking a double batch), these cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste like they were just baked!
- Reheating Cookies: If you prefer your cookies warm and slightly gooey, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a little too soft! Alternatively, you can pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will refresh them and bring back that lovely softness.
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your gingerbread crinkle cookies for days to come. Happy snacking!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some burning questions about these delicious gingerbread crinkle cookies, so let’s dive into some of the most common ones I hear!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly. The cookies may be a bit denser, but they’ll still taste amazing! You might also want to add a little extra moisture, like an additional tablespoon of molasses, to keep them nice and chewy.
How do I store leftover cookies?
After letting your cookies cool completely, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to prevent them from sticking together, layer them with parchment paper. They’ll stay delicious for about a week at room temperature, but trust me, they’ll probably be gone before that!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! Just roll the dough into balls and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, and you’ll have fresh cookies in no time!
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
No worries! You can substitute granulated sugar for brown sugar, but you might want to add a tablespoon of molasses to mimic that rich flavor. Just mix it well with the granulated sugar before adding it to your butter mixture!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that has xanthan gum in it. This should help maintain that chewy texture we all love in gingerbread crinkle cookies. Just make sure to check the packaging for the right measurements since gluten-free flours can vary!
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Your cookies are done when they’re puffy and the tops start to crack. They should look set but still soft in the center. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up a bit as they cool, so don’t overbake them if you want that perfect chewy texture!
I hope these answers help you on your gingerbread crinkle cookie journey! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Happy baking!
Imprimer
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: 7 Steps to Cozy Bliss
- Temps Total: 42 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Gingerbread crinkle cookies are soft, chewy cookies with a rich ginger flavor and a powdered sugar coating.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add molasses and egg to the butter mixture, and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough into balls, then coat with powdered sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies freeze well.
- For a spicier flavor, add more ginger or cinnamon.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 12 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 6g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 15g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: gingerbread crinkle cookies, holiday cookies, soft cookies