Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a delightful and festive treat that embody the warm, spicy flavors of the holiday season. These cookies have a rich chocolate flavor amalgamated with a delightful ginger spice, making them perfect for any gathering. The crinkled top adds a charming touch to every cookie, enhancing its appeal. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of cocoa or share them at a holiday party, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Why Make This Recipe
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are an experience. The combination of spices and chocolate brings a depth of flavor that many cookie recipes lack. Making these cookies at home fills your kitchen with inviting aromas that instantly create a cozy and festive atmosphere.
One of the reasons to make this recipe is its simplicity. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find. You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up these delicious cookies. Additionally, these cookies are a hit during the holiday season and beyond. They make great gifts or can be served at parties and gatherings. Each bite offers a delicious blend of flavors, ensuring your guests will love them.
Another reason to try this recipe is its versatility. You can mix and match spices, add nuts, or even incorporate different types of chocolate. Yet, the classic version remains a favorite among many. Finally, making cookies like these can be a fun activity for families or friends, allowing everyone to get involved in the kitchen. It’s a great way to bond while creating something delicious.
How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Making Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is a fun and easy process. Below are the detailed steps, including the ingredients and directions to follow.
Ingredients
To make these cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and get that perfect texture.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. This step is important as it helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, pour in the vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix until everything is fully combined. The dough should be thick and cohesive at this point.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.
Prepare the Cookies: After chilling, scoop out the dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Roll each scoop into a ball in your hands, and then roll them in powdered sugar to coat them.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You will know they are ready when the edges are set, and the tops look crinkled—a sign of deliciousness.
Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Serving Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is as easy as pie! You can enjoy them plain, or you can pair them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. The spiced and chocolatey flavor pairs beautifully with both drinks.
For a festive touch, you can arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter for parties. Maybe add some decorative napkins or sprinkle chocolate shavings around the cookies for a nicer presentation. They can also be packaged in cute bags or boxes with ribbons for gift-giving.
Should you want to add some extra flair, consider drizzling a bit of melted chocolate over the top or adding a light dusting of colored sugar instead of powdered sugar. These simple additions can elevate their appearance and make them even more inviting.
How to Store Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Storing your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is straightforward. Allow the cookies to cool completely before you store them. This prevents moisture from building up and making the cookies soggy.
You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to stay fresh for an extended period, consider freezing them. To freeze, place the completely cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer bag, and remove as much air as possible. They can last in the freezer for up to three months.
When you are ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or microwaving them for a few seconds to warm them up slightly.
Tips to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Fresh Spices: Always use fresh spices for the best flavor. Ground spices lose their potency over time, so check the date on your spice jars.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They continue to cook slightly even after you take them out of the oven. If you overbake, you may lose the chewy texture that is characteristic of crinkle cookies.
Chill Properly: Make sure to chill the dough. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavor. If the dough feels too sticky, you can chill it for a longer time.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! You may want to try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a layer of frosting for a richer dessert.
Variation
While this recipe provides a classic take on gingerbread crinkle cookies, there are many variations you can try. For a spicier version, you can increase the amount of ground ginger or add some ground cloves.
If you want a different flavor, consider substituting half of the cocoa powder with finely chopped dark or white chocolate. This gives a unique twist to the traditional cookie. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, which wonderfully contrasts with the sweetness.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of flour?
While all-purpose flour is the best choice for these cookies due to its balanced protein content, you can experiment with other types like whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. Keep in mind that using different flours will alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should have set edges and crinkled tops when they are done. They will feel slightly soft in the middle even though the edges are firm. Let them cool on the baking sheet, and they’ll continue to set.
3. What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find that your cookie dough is sticky after chilling, you can sprinkle a little extra flour on your hands when rolling the balls. Alternatively, chill the dough in the refrigerator for a bit longer.
Making Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is an enjoyable way to share warm flavors with family and friends. Whether for the holidays or simply as a treat, these cookies are sure to impress!
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined. The dough should be thick.
- Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- After chilling, scoop dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat.
- Arrange the cookie balls on a lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and tops appear crinkled.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.