Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are wonderfully soft and chewy treats with a warm spice flavor. Rolled in powdered sugar, they get a lovely snowy look that’s perfect for any holiday!
These cookies fill your home with a cozy smell that makes everyone want to snack. I love having a batch ready for friends or family. They never last long around here! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the cookies, giving them structure. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for similar results.
Ground Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create that classic gingerbread flavor. For a different twist, you can use pumpkin pie spice instead of the individual spices!
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter helps with the cookie’s texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Molasses: This is key for flavor and moisture. If you’re out, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup but the taste will slightly differ.
Powdered Sugar: Used for rolling the cookies for that snowy look. If you don’t have it, granulated sugar can work, but it won’t have the same appearance.
How Do You Achieve Soft and Chewy Cookies?
Getting the perfect soft and chewy texture is all about a few key steps. Here’s how:
- Start by creaming the butter and sugar well. This adds air, which helps keep the cookies light.
- Be careful not to over-mix once you add the dry ingredients. Just mix until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Chill the dough! This helps them maintain shape and stay soft in the center when baking.
- Don’t overbake! Pull them from the oven when the tops are cracked but the centers are still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
With these tips in hand, you’ll have perfect gingerbread crinkle cookies every time! Enjoy baking! 🎅🍪
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation, plus an hour to chill the dough. Once you start baking, the cookies will be ready in about 10-12 minutes. So overall, set aside around 1 hour and 30 minutes, including the chilling time. It’s an easy process that yields cookies full of holiday spirit!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will be the backbone of your cookies, adding flavor and structure. Once mixed, set it aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it adds air to the dough, making your cookies nice and soft.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
Now it’s time to mix in the fun stuff! Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat everything together until fully combined and smooth, which should take just a minute or two.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, but don’t overdo it! The dough will be thick and rich—perfect for rolling into cookies.
5. Chill the Dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps the dough firm up so it’s easier to shape the cookies later and gives a better texture when baked.
6. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheets:
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Once the dough is chilled, use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball that is about 1 inch in size. It’s like making little gingerbread snowballs!
8. Roll in Powdered Sugar:
Next, roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until generously coated. This gives them the lovely crinkle effect once baked. Make sure each cookie is well covered!
9. Bake the Cookies:
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cookies have spread and the tops are cracked but still soft.
10. Cool and Serve:
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. When ready, enjoy these delightful cookies with a beautiful powdered sugar coating!
These gingerbread crinkle cookies are sure to bring warmth and cheer to anyone who takes a bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or simply curling up with a cup of cocoa!
Can I Use Different Spices for the Cookies?
Absolutely! If you don’t have all the spices on hand, you can substitute with pumpkin pie spice, which combines many of the traditional spices. Just use about 2-3 teaspoons in place of the individual spices for a flavorful twist!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them—just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. For even longer storage, freeze the dough balls, then thaw them in the fridge before baking.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Chewy Cookies?
For chewy cookies, don’t overbake! Pull them from the oven while they still look a bit soft in the center, as they will firm up while cooling. Additionally, make sure to cream the butter and sugar well for a light texture!
