Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Gingerbread crinkle cookies bring the nostalgic warmth of holiday spices in a soft, chewy treat with beautifully cracked tops. These festive cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying alongside a cup of tea or hot cocoa.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60ml) molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, for coating
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to help form deep cracks during baking.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar to coat fully.
- Step 4: Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies spread and develop deep cracks on top. The edges should be firm while the centers remain soft.
- Step 5: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Chilling the dough overnight enhances flavor and is key to achieving signature cracks on the cookies.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of ground black pepper or increase the ginger by ½ teaspoon.
- Substitute molasses with dark corn syrup for a slightly different sweetness and texture.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized cookies for uniform baking.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread inside the container. Cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven for a freshly baked feel.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies hold their shape. It also allows the flavors to develop and is essential for creating the signature crackled tops during baking.
Can I use light molasses instead of regular molasses?
Yes, light molasses can be used and will result in a milder flavor. Regular molasses gives a richer, more robust taste which is traditional in gingerbread cookies.
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Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these classic Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, a perfect holiday treat featuring warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Soft and chewy with a beautifully cracked powdered sugar coating, these cookies promise festive flavor and an inviting texture. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and a chilling step to enhance their signature cracks in the oven.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60ml) molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Coating
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients—flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt—until fully combined. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, then beat again until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and to help form the iconic cracks during baking.
- Shape and Roll: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup. Using a cookie scoop, portion out tablespoon-sized pieces of dough and roll each into a ball. The dough will be sticky, so work quickly. Generously roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully coated—this heavy coating is essential for producing the distinctive crinkle effect as they bake.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and developed deep cracks on the surface. The edges should feel firm while the centers remain soft to the touch. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set with the perfect chewy texture.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is crucial; it helps the cookies develop their signature deep cracks and enhances flavor.
- Use a digital kitchen scale for more accurate measurements and consistent cookie size.
- For a stronger ginger flavor, you can increase the ground ginger slightly, but avoid overpowering the balance of spices.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Gingerbread cookies, Christmas cookies, crinkle cookies, holiday baking, spiced cookies, molasses cookies
