Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

The Ultimate Holiday Treat

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect balance of warm spices, soft and chewy texture, and a beautiful crinkled powdered sugar coating. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cookie exchange, or just to enjoy with a cozy cup of tea, these cookies are a must-try. Their rich molasses flavor combined with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger make them a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers alike. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, and the results are nothing short of bakery-quality. Plus, these cookies have an irresistible crackled appearance that makes them look as good as they taste. If you love classic gingerbread but want a softer, more indulgent take, this is the cookie for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Powdered sugar for rolling

These simple pantry ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s full of deep, warm flavors.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these cookies, you’ll need:

  • A hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack

Having the right tools ensures a smooth baking process and the best possible results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

2. Add the Egg and Molasses

Mix in the egg and molasses until fully combined. The dough should take on a deep caramel color and smell rich and fragrant.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon until evenly distributed.

4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until there is no visible flour. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

5. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps solidify the dough, making it easier to roll and preventing excess spreading in the oven.

6. Roll and Coat in Powdered Sugar

Once the dough is chilled, form 18-20 small balls. Roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar to create that signature crinkle effect.

7. Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 3 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cookies have cracked but still look slightly underbaked. This ensures they remain soft and chewy inside.

8. Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Tips

To keep your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies fresh:

  • Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Want to put your own twist on this classic recipe? Try these variations:

  • Make it gluten-free – Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • Spice it up – Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for an extra festive flavor.
  • Make it dairy-free – Use a plant-based butter alternative.
  • Add chocolate – Mix in mini chocolate chips for a delicious chocolate-gingerbread combination.

Perfect Pairings

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair well with:

  • Hot cocoa – The rich chocolate flavor complements the spices perfectly.
  • Chai tea – The warm spices in the tea enhance the cookie’s flavor.
  • Vanilla ice cream – Enjoy a warm cookie with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. You can also freeze the dough balls (before rolling them in powdered sugar) for up to 3 months and bake from frozen.

2. Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading in the oven and enhances the flavors, giving you the perfect texture and taste.

3. My cookies didn’t crinkle—what went wrong?

If your cookies didn’t develop the classic crinkle effect, they may not have been coated in enough powdered sugar or the dough was too warm when baking. Ensure your dough is properly chilled and generously coated in sugar.

4. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! If you need more cookies, simply double all ingredients and bake in batches.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat—beautiful, delicious, and easy to make. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies will surely become a favorite.

If you loved this recipe, share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more delicious holiday treats and baking tips!

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