Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy winter nights. With their delightful blend of spices and soft texture, these cookies stand out with their crinkled tops dusted in powdered sugar. Not only do they taste incredible, but they also fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that evokes holiday cheer.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dough
• For Coating
• How to Make Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
• Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
• Step 5: Add Egg and Molasses
• Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
• Step 7: Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheet
• Step 8: Bake Your Cookies
• Step 9: Coat in Powdered Sugar
• How to Serve Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
• With a Warm Beverage
• As a Festive Dessert
• With Ice Cream
• How to Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
• Reheating Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other spices in Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
• What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
• How do I know when Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are done?
• Can I make these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies vegan?
• What can I serve with these cookies?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and other spices creates a rich flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just as a special dessert at home.
• Beautiful Presentation: The crinkle effect topped with powdered sugar makes these cookies visually appealing and festive.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh when needed.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will help you create these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies without any hiccups.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spills.
• Whisk: A whisk helps incorporate air into your batter, ensuring a light texture.
• Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet ensures even cooking for perfect cookies every time.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (60ml) molasses
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For Coating

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar

How to Make Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly right from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt

Whisk them together until well blended.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together:
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar

Beat until light and fluffy. This step adds air to the mixture for soft cookies.

Step 5: Add Egg and Molasses

Add:
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses
to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheet

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 9: Coat in Powdered Sugar

Once cooled slightly, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated. This adds a sweet touch while enhancing their appearance.

Now enjoy your delicious Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies!

How to Serve Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Soft and spiced gingerbread crinkle cookies are not only a delightful treat but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some great ways to enjoy them.

With a Warm Beverage

• Hot Chocolate – Pair these cookies with a cup of rich, creamy hot chocolate for a cozy experience.
• Spiced Tea – Enjoy with chai or spiced black tea to enhance the ginger flavor.

As a Festive Dessert

• Holiday Platter – Arrange them on a festive platter alongside other holiday sweets for an inviting dessert display.
• Gift Packaging – Place in decorative bags or boxes to share as gifts during the holiday season.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
• Ginger Ice Cream – Elevate flavors by pairing with ginger-flavored ice cream for an extra kick.

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How to Perfect Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, follow these essential tips.

• Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading during baking.
• Use Fresh Spices – For optimal taste, ensure your ground spices are fresh; old spices can dull the flavor.
• Don’t Overbake – Remove cookies from the oven when they are slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up on the tray.
• Roll in Powdered Sugar Twice – For a more pronounced crinkle effect, roll the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking, then again right after cooling.

Best Side Dishes for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

These delicious cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some excellent choices.

1. Cream Cheese Frosting – A tangy frosting adds richness and balances the spice in the cookies.
2. Apple Cider – Serve warm apple cider alongside for an autumn-inspired combination that’s hard to resist.
3. Nutty Granola – Add crunch with nutty granola; its texture complements the soft cookie perfectly.
4. Cheese Plate – A selection of cheeses like brie or aged cheddar provides a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
5. Fruit Salad – Fresh fruit adds brightness and freshness, making it an ideal light side dish.
6. Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat that kids will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes may hinder your baking success.

• Incorrect measurements: Always measure ingredients accurately. Use weight for flour and sugar for the best results.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing activates gluten, leading to a dense texture.
• Skipping chilling time: Allow the dough to chill; this helps cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhances flavor.
• Not checking oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer. An incorrect temperature can lead to underbaked or burnt cookies.
• Ignoring cooling time: Let cookies cool on a wire rack. This ensures they set properly without becoming soggy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking cookies.

Freezing Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, watching closely not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat with a lid for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to making Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.

Can I use other spices in Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?

You can experiment with spices like cardamom or allspice. Just keep the proportions similar for balanced flavor.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, chill it longer in the fridge, or add small amounts of flour until it’s manageable.

How do I know when Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are done?

Look for cracks on top and a slight firmness around the edges while remaining soft in the center.

Can I make these Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for a delicious vegan option.

What can I serve with these cookies?

These cookies pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea, making them perfect for cozy gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile for various occasions. You can customize them by adding nuts or dried fruits. Try this recipe today and enjoy the comforting flavors of gingerbread!