GINGERBREAD CRINKLE COOKIES RECIPE
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, combining the rich, spiced flavors of classic gingerbread with a delightfully soft and chewy texture. These cookies are fluffy on the inside and have a lovely sugary crunch on the outside, thanks to their signature powdered sugar coating. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just craving a cozy, comforting snack, this homemade Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Imagine biting into a warm, freshly baked cookie with a soft, tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. The spices of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg give each bite a wonderful warmth and complexity, while the molasses adds a depth of flavor that makes these cookies irresistibly rich. Perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy, these cookies are the ultimate holiday treat that will fill your home with the comforting aroma of gingerbread.
Not only are these cookies delicious, but they are also incredibly easy to make! With a quick prep time and just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies in no time. Get ready to enjoy the taste of the holiday season with these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies!
Essential Ingredients for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Butter – Adds richness and helps create that soft, chewy texture.
- Brown Sugar – Provides a deep caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spices.
- Molasses – Adds a rich, robust flavor that is essential for traditional gingerbread.
- All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the cookie, giving it structure and a light, fluffy bite.
- Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise, creating their signature crinkled look.
- Nutmeg, Ground Ginger, and Cinnamon – The trio of spices that gives these cookies their warm, spiced flavor.
- Powdered Sugar – Coats the cookie dough balls before baking, giving them a beautiful crinkle effect and a sweet, crunchy exterior.
Steps to Create These Festive Cookies
- Cream the softened butter and packed brown sugar together until they are fully combined and creamy.
- Add the egg and molasses to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough is fluffy and smooth.
- Stir in the baking soda, nutmeg, ground ginger, and cinnamon, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Gradually mix in the flour, adding it in thirds to prevent over-mixing and achieve a perfect dough consistency.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the dough firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled cookie dough into balls, then coat each ball generously in powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes or until the cookies are just set around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps to solidify the butter and allows the spices to infuse throughout the dough, resulting in a better texture and flavor.
- Roll Generously in Powdered Sugar: To achieve the beautiful crinkled effect, make sure each dough ball is fully covered in powdered sugar before baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.
Recipe Variations for Extra Fun
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You could add a bit of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist that pairs wonderfully with the spices. For an extra festive touch, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk over the cooled cookies. If you love chocolate, try adding a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough before chilling it.
Storing Your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a resealable freezer bag. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven to refresh their soft, chewy texture.
Indulge in the flavors of the holiday season with every delicious bite of these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies!
GINGERBREAD CRINKLE COOKIES RECIPE
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Butter salted and softened
- 1 cup Brown Sugar packed
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/4 cup Molasses
- 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter and packed brown sugar together in a bowl until the mixture is fully blended and smooth.
- Incorporate the egg and molasses into the mixture, beating until the dough becomes light and fluffy.
- Stir in the baking soda, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing it in thirds to avoid lumps, until a consistent dough forms.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Form the dough into small balls and roll each one in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the cookies have a crinkled appearance and are set on the edges.