These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are soft, sweet treats with a lovely spice from ginger and cinnamon. Their cracked tops make them look extra special!
I can’t resist the cozy smell that fills my kitchen while they bake! They are perfect for the holidays or any day when you need a little sweetness in your life. 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works well and still gives a great texture!
Ground Ginger: Fresh ginger can add a nice kick, but you need about 1 tablespoon if that’s your choice. If you’re out of ground ginger, ground cinnamon can be used in a pinch, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control saltiness. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Both alternatives will still give a delicious finish.
Molasses: This ingredient brings depth to the flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute honey or maple syrup, but remember that the taste will change a bit!
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Have Perfect Crinkles?
Getting those beautiful crinkles on your cookies is all about the chilling and baking process! Here’s how to achieve that texture:
- Chill the dough for at least 2 hours. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, enhancing crinkle formation.
- Roll the dough in powdered sugar generously before baking. This adds to the crinkled top and gives a nice sweetness.
- Leave enough space between the cookies on the baking sheet. They need room to spread and create their signature crackled look.
- Check them at 10 minutes in the oven. When you see set edges but soft centers, they’re ready!
Enjoy making and sharing these delightful Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies!
How to Make Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Rolling:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours for chilling the dough. Baking will take about 10-12 minutes. So, overall, allocate around 2.5 to 3 hours for making these delectable cookies, including chilling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
Start by whisking together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This will ensure all the spices are evenly distributed. Once mixed, set it aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer (or a good old-fashioned arm workout) to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat this mixture until everything is well combined, smooth, and creamy. Such a lovely aroma already!
4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a soft dough that’s not too tough!
5. Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or even overnight. This step is key for achieving those perfect crinkles!
6. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheets:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of chilled dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until it’s completely coated. This will give you that signature crinkle look!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a bit of space (about 2 inches) between each one. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll want them to be set and crinkly, but still soft in the center.
9. Cool Before Serving:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The smell in your kitchen will be divine!
Now, enjoy your warm, spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. Perfectly crinkle-topped and sweetened with powdered sugar, they’ll be sure to brighten anyone’s day! Happy baking! 🍪
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser cookie. To maintain a lighter texture, consider using half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour.
What Can I Use Instead of Molasses?
If you don’t have molasses on hand, honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute. However, keep in mind that this will change the flavor slightly, making it sweeter and less robust.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just remember to take it out about 10-15 minutes before you roll it into balls, so it’s easier to handle.
