Are you a busy parent looking for a delicious treat that will bring warmth and joy to your home? Do you crave the spicy sweetness of gingerbread but want a fun, easy-to-make cookie?
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are just what you need! These cookies are spiced with fragrant ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, making them a festive favorite. With a soft, chewy interior and a crackly sugar dusting on top, every bite is a delightful experience. It’s a comforting treat that captures the essence of the holidays while being easy enough to whip up any day of the week.
The best part? These cookies come together quickly and require simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Plus, they make a delightful gift or a fun baking project with the kids.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Holiday Baking: Bring the festive spirit to your kitchen.
- Easy to Make: Quick steps mean you can get these cookies in the oven in under 15 minutes.
- Family Favorite: Soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious, everyone will love them!
Ingredients for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions of Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- Cream the softened butter and brown sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until everything is just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in powdered sugar until well-coated.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake: These cookies are best when they are just set in the middle.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes will help the cookies retain their shape when baking.
- Use fresh spices: Fresh spices will give your cookies a brighter, more robust flavor.
Substitutions & Variations of Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce and use gluten-free flour blends.
Variations: You can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture, or drizzle a simple icing of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for something special.
Storage Instructions of Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Refrigerator: Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: These cookies freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Make-Ahead: Mix the dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator. You can bake the cookies whenever you’re ready!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Absolutely! Brown sugar is already used in this recipe for a richer flavor.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
Try adding a little more flour to the dough. Just add a tablespoon at a time until you achieve a workable consistency.
Can I shape these cookies differently?
Yes! Feel free to use cookie cutters for fun shapes, but remember to keep an eye on the baking time as different shapes may bake differently.
Final Toughts
The charming warmth of Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies makes them a perfect addition to your holiday baking. Whether for a cozy family gathering or as a sweet surprise for unexpected guests, these cookies are sure to impress. So why not get started today? Leave a comment and a star rating to share your experience!
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Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Delightful soft and chewy gingerbread cookies with a festive sugar dusting, perfect for holiday baking.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- Cream the softened butter and brown sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until everything is just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in powdered sugar until well-coated.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chill the dough for about 30 minutes for best results. Don’t overbake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian