There’s just something magical about baking during the holiday season, isn’t there? The warm scents of spices wafting through the house, the joyful anticipation of sharing treats with family and friends—it’s truly a time to savor! One of my absolute favorite cookies to whip up are these delightful *gingerbread crinkle cookies*. They take the classic flavors of gingerbread and give them a fun, modern twist with that irresistible crinkle effect. Soft and chewy, each bite is packed with cozy spices that just scream holiday cheer. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a staple in your festive baking lineup!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these scrumptious *gingerbread crinkle cookies*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- Powdered sugar for coating
Make sure you have everything on hand before you start, so you can enjoy the process without any interruptions. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these scrumptious *gingerbread crinkle cookies*! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a batch of cookies that’ll fill your home with the most delightful aroma.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and rise beautifully. So, don’t skip this step—your future self will thank you!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Now, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of ground ginger, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This is where the magic begins! The spices will create that cozy flavor we all love, so make sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, you’ll want to cream together 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Mix them until the mixture is smooth and creamy—aim for a fluffy texture. This step is crucial because it helps to incorporate air into the dough, making your cookies light and chewy!
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add in 1 large egg and 1/4 cup of molasses to your sugar mixture. Mix everything well until it’s fully combined. You want that rich, dark color to come through—trust me, it’s the secret to that deep flavor!
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches to avoid flour clouds and ensure everything mixes evenly. Stir just until combined; you don’t want to overmix here—just enough to have a beautiful, soft dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Here’s a pro tip: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential to help the cookies maintain their shape and achieve that perfect chewy texture! Plus, it makes them easier to handle when rolling into balls.
Step 7: Form and Coat Cookies
Once chilled, it’s time for the fun part! Scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar to create that classic crinkle effect. The powdered sugar will give your cookies a lovely snowy finish—so pretty!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place your coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are firm, but the centers are still slightly soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is key to ensuring they don’t fall apart when you dig in!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delightful *gingerbread crinkle cookies*! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Here’s a breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are a sweet indulgence, perfect for enjoying during the holidays or whenever you need a cozy treat. Just remember, moderation is key—though I know it’s tough to resist having just one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even start? You’re going to adore these *gingerbread crinkle cookies* for so many reasons! First off, they’re super easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just your trusty mixing bowls and a whisk!
And let’s talk about texture! These cookies are soft and chewy, with that delightful crinkle on top that just adds to their charm. Seriously, every bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, especially fresh out of the oven!
They’re also perfect for holiday gatherings. Imagine serving them at your next festive get-together! They’ll impress your guests and fill your home with the most wonderful aroma. Plus, they’re versatile—feel free to tweak the spices to suit your personal taste. Want a bit more ginger kick? Go for it! Prefer a milder flavor? You can totally tone it down. The possibilities are endless!
So, whether you’re baking for a party, bringing treats to work, or just indulging yourself (and let’s be honest, we all deserve that), these cookies are a must-make!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your *gingerbread crinkle cookies* turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve picked up along the way:
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake! They should have a crinkled appearance with slightly soft centers when you take them out. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them!
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week—if they last that long! You can also freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Customize the Spices: Feel free to play around with the spices! If you love a stronger ginger flavor, add a tad more ground ginger or cinnamon. Just remember to keep track of your adjustments, so you can recreate the magic next time!
- Rolling Technique: When rolling your cookie dough balls in powdered sugar, make sure they’re well-coated for that beautiful snowy finish. A double roll can give an extra crinkle effect—just roll them once, let them sit for a few minutes, and then roll again!
- Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process. Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from falling apart.
With these tips, you’re all set to create the most delightful batch of *gingerbread crinkle cookies*! Enjoy the baking adventure!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze *gingerbread crinkle cookies*?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just make sure to let them cool completely, then layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, and they’ll be just as delicious as the day you baked them!
How can I make these cookies spicier?
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, you can easily amp up the spice in your *gingerbread crinkle cookies*. Just add an extra teaspoon of ground ginger or cinnamon, or even a pinch of nutmeg for a warm twist. Taste the dough before baking, and adjust the spices to your liking—this way, you can create the perfect cookie that suits your palate!
What should I serve with these cookies?
These delightful cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced chai tea. The warmth of the drinks complements the cozy flavors of the cookies perfectly. You could even serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert that’ll impress everyone! Trust me, it’s a match made in holiday heaven!
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: 7 Reasons to Love Them
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour
- Ertrag: 24 cookies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Gingerbread crinkle cookies are soft and chewy treats with a spiced flavor, perfect for the holiday season.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- Powdered sugar for coating
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter until smooth.
- Add the egg and molasses to the sugar mixture, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Form dough into balls and roll in powdered sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a spicier flavor, increase the ginger and cinnamon.
- These cookies freeze well.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 12 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cookie
- Kalorien: 120
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 4.5g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 2.5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 18g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterin: 10mg
Keywords: gingerbread crinkle cookies
