The aroma of freshly baked Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies wafting through the house is like a warm hug on a chilly winter day. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that features a delightful blend of spices, with a dusting of powdered sugar that resembles a fresh snowfall. These cookies are not just treats; they are an experience, perfect for sharing at the Holiday Cookie Swap, where your baking skills will surely earn you the title of “Cookie King or Queen.” For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Stuffed Pretzels Recipe recipe.
Whether you’re channeling your inner baker or simply looking to impress your friends, these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies promise to deliver flavors that dance in your mouth and textures that melt in your heart. This festive treat is perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights by the fireplace, or simply indulging yourself when no one’s watching. Pistachio cookie bars recipe Cinnamon donut bread recipe Festive Eggnog Cake recipe Get ready to embark on a delicious journey filled with laughter, warmth, and memorable moments.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes these cookies a go-to for your holiday baking
- Their rich flavor profile combines ginger, cinnamon, and molasses for a festive delight
- Visually appealing with their crinkled tops dusted in powdered sugar, they add charm to any dessert table
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed alone or as part of a cookie exchange!
Baking these cookies brought smiles all around during last year’s holiday gathering; my friends couldn’t get enough of them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient for structure; ensure it’s leveled off for accurate measurement.
- Ground Ginger: Use fresh ground ginger for a more robust flavor that just screams holiday cheer.
- Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and depth; opt for Ceylon cinnamon if possible for its delicate sweetness.
- Baking Powder: Helps give the cookies their beautiful rise; check the expiration date for optimal fluffiness.
- Molasses: Choose unsulfured molasses for a rich flavor without bitterness; it’s key to achieving that classic gingerbread taste.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create those crinkly tops we all love.
- Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and chewiness; light brown sugar works well but dark adds extra richness.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs help bind everything together smoothly; crack them open with confidence!
- Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cookies stay soft and chewy; you can use melted butter if preferred.
- Powdered Sugar: For rolling the cookies before baking; it gives them that snowy appearance we adore.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your cookie dough. This ensures even baking right from the start.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, and baking powder until well combined. The fragrant spices will fill your kitchen with holiday spirit.
Create the Wet Mixture: In another bowl, mix molasses, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth. You want this mixture to be silky like a cozy blanket.
Combine Ingredients Carefully: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender; you want them as soft as Grandma’s hugs!
Chill the Dough Briefly: Cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading while baking—nobody wants flat cookies!
Form and Roll Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until generously coated—this part is like giving them their festive outfit!
Bake Until Perfectly Crinkled: Place cookie balls on parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft—trust me on this one!
Once baked to perfection and cooled on wire racks, these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies will be ready to dazzle both at home or at any cookie swap event! Enjoy every delightful bite!
You Must Know
- Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a holiday classic that fills your kitchen with festive scents
- The chewy texture and rich spices create an irresistible treat perfect for sharing or indulging
- Remember, a sprinkle of powdered sugar makes them look like winter wonderlands!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugars, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Chilling the dough before baking prevents excessive spreading, resulting in perfectly crinkled cookies.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional spices for a unique twist. Consider adding white chocolate chips or nuts for additional flavor and texture in your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. For more inspiration, check out this Decadent Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To refresh them, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors and achieve a better texture
- Use fresh spices to elevate the aroma and taste of your cookies
- Ensure your oven is preheated to prevent uneven baking and achieve those perfect crinkles
Baking these cookies brought back memories of my childhood when my family would gather around to decorate them while sipping hot cocoa. Homemade hot cocoa recipe The laughter and love added flavor that no spice could replicate!
FAQ
How do I achieve perfect crinkles on my cookies?
Ensure you chill the dough and use granulated sugar before rolling them in powdered sugar.
Can I freeze Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
Yes, freeze unbaked dough balls between layers of parchment paper for up to three months.
What can I substitute for molasses?
You can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will differ slightly.
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate festive treat, combining rich spices and a soft, chewy texture dusted with powdered sugar that mimics a fresh snowfall. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, they are sure to impress at any cookie swap or festive occasion. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful dance of flavors that encapsulates the spirit of the holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup unsulfured molasses
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, combine molasses, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and egg until smooth.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture without overmixing.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat in powdered sugar.
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg