Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Everyone loves cookies! They bring joy to our homes, especially during the holiday season. One type of cookie that stands out is the Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie. These cookies offer a delightful combination of spices and chocolate that not only warms your heart but also fills your home with amazing aromas. Perfectly crinkled on the outside and soft in the middle, these cookies are a treat anyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons why you should try making Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. They are not only delicious but also simple to prepare. If you enjoy baking, this recipe is perfect for you. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cocoa creates a heavenly flavor that is both festive and comforting.
These cookies are great for holiday gatherings, family get-togethers, or even just to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. They make wonderful gifts during the holidays, especially when packaged in a beautiful box or tin. Moreover, the process of baking can be a fun activity, especially when shared with family and friends. You can create memories while making something tasty!
The Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are also visually appealing. The glaring white dusting of powdered sugar, contrasting the dark brown cookie, makes them look festive and inviting. Everyone will be reaching for more after the first bite!
How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Making Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is straightforward and fun. Follow these steps carefully, and you will have a delightful batch of cookies ready in no time!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it gets your oven ready for baking, ensuring that the cookies bake evenly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Mixing these dry ingredients well will help in achieving a uniform texture for your cookies.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the brown sugar, molasses, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients until they are smooth. This mixture will add sweetness and moisture to your cookies.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir them together until they form a thick cookie dough. It may take some effort, but be patient and make sure everything is well combined.
Chill the Dough: Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the flavors blend together and makes it easier to handle.
Prepare the Dough Balls: After chilling, scoop tablespoons of the dough and roll them into balls. Once you have your dough balls, coat each one in powdered sugar. The powdered sugar gives the cookies their classic crinkle effect once they bake.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure to space them at least two inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Bake: Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers should remain soft.
Cool the Cookies: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period allows the texture to firm up nicely.
How to Serve Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Servicing your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be just as delightful as baking them. You can present them on a fancy plate or in a cookie jar. Consider serving them alongside a hot beverage, such as milk, tea, or coffee. The warm drink will enhance the rich flavors of the cookies, making for a perfect pairing.
For a festive touch, you can add a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar on top before serving. If you are hosting a gathering, arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter and decorate with seasonal items like holly or pinecones for a charming display.
How to Store Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To keep your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help to seal in the moisture and keep them soft. You can leave them at room temperature for several days. If you want to store them for a more extended period, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature.
Tips to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Measure Carefully: Baking is a science. Make sure to measure all your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale if you have one for the best results.
Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is an important step. It helps the cookies maintain their shape and texture while baking.
Experiment with Spices: If you like spices, you can experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice. Just remember that a little goes a long way.
Use Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality cocoa powder and spices can significantly enhance the flavor of your cookies.
Watch the Baking Time: The baking time can vary based on your oven. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, and do not overbake them to keep them soft.
Variations
If you want to try something different, there are various ways to change up the Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. You can add chocolate chips for an extra sweet touch. Alternatively, try using white chocolate chips for a unique flavor contrast. For those who prefer nuts, adding chopped walnuts or pecans can provide a nice crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but be aware that this may change the texture and flavor slightly. Whole wheat flour will make the cookies denser.
2. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! To make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies vegan, you can replace the molasses with maple syrup and use a plant-based oil. Also, substitute egg with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) for a binding agent.
3. How can I tell when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool. Take them out of the oven when they look puffy and cracked on top.
Now that you have this easy-to-follow recipe for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, it’s time to grab your ingredients and start baking. Enjoy the process and share the joy of freshly baked cookies with loved ones!
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, mix the brown sugar, molasses, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix and stir until a thick cookie dough forms.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls, then coat each ball in powdered sugar.
- Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them at least two inches apart.
- Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.