Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies – The Ultimate Holiday Treat

Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect blend of warm spices and festive charm, making them a must-bake treat for the holiday season. These cookies are soft in the center with a slight crisp around the edges, topped with a sugary crinkle coating that makes them as delightful to look at as they are to eat. If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that fills your kitchen with the warm aromas of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, these gingerbread crinkle cookies will surely be a hit.

Why You’ll Love Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

These gingerbread crinkle cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a celebration of all the holiday flavors we love. The combination of ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses brings a rich, cozy taste that instantly transports you to winter afternoons spent with loved ones. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also a fun baking project for the whole family. With a soft, chewy center and a crinkly powdered sugar exterior, these cookies are the ultimate festive snack.

Ingredients for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Ground ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor that defines gingerbread.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a sweet, aromatic layer to the cookies.
• Ground cloves: Gives a subtle, earthy taste that enhances the other spices.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies spread and rise slightly during baking.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a soft texture.
• Brown sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the spices.
• Egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to the soft texture.
• Molasses: The star ingredient that gives gingerbread its classic rich flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie dough.
• Powdered sugar: For rolling the dough to create the signature crinkle effect.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking for some substitutions or need to adjust the recipe, here are a few suggestions:

• Gluten-free flour: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Maple syrup: If you’re out of molasses, maple syrup can provide a similar level of sweetness and richness, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
• Dairy-free butter: For a dairy-free option, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

1. Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
2. Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results. This will help the dough firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
3. Shape the dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. The dough will be sticky, so work quickly. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
4. Bake the cookies: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are firm and the tops are cracked. The cookies should still be soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

• Chill the dough: This step is crucial for achieving the iconic crinkles and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use fresh spices: Fresh ground ginger and cinnamon will give your cookies a more intense and vibrant flavor, so don’t skip this step!
• Don’t overbake: The key to soft and chewy gingerbread crinkle cookies is to bake them just until the edges are firm, but the center remains soft. Overbaking will result in dry cookies.
• Roll in powdered sugar: Don’t be shy when rolling your dough in powdered sugar. A thicker coating will create more pronounced crinkles.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are perfect on their own, but they can be even more delightful when paired with other festive treats or beverages.

• Serve with hot cocoa or spiced cider: These cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot chocolate or a warm glass of spiced apple cider.
• Add a twist: For a fun variation, you can add chopped candied ginger or dark chocolate chips to the dough for a new flavor dimension.
• Make a sandwich: For an extra indulgence, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting between two gingerbread cookies to create a holiday cookie sandwich.

Storing Your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Store your Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining the warmth of classic spices with a chewy, soft center and a festive powdered sugar crust. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, sharing them with family, or simply enjoying them with a cozy cup of tea, these cookies will quickly become a seasonal favorite. The simple preparation, rich flavor, and iconic crinkle make these gingerbread cookies a must-try this winter. Don’t forget to follow the chilling and rolling steps closely for that perfect crinkle, and your cookies will be the star of any holiday gathering!

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More Relevant Recipes

• Pumpkin Snickerdoodles – Fall Cookie Recipe: These soft and chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are a perfect complement to your gingerbread crinkle cookies. With a cozy mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin, they offer a similar fall flavor profile, making them an ideal addition to your holiday dessert spread.
• Apple Cider Cookies – Fall Treats: These apple cider cookies capture the essence of autumn with a sweet and tart apple flavor combined with warm spices. Like gingerbread crinkle cookies, they offer a comforting, seasonal treat that will add a festive touch to any dessert table.
• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake – Sweet & Spicy Dessert: Combining the rich flavors of cinnamon rolls and creamy cheesecake, this dessert is a decadent choice for those who love the comforting spice of cinnamon, much like gingerbread crinkle cookies. It’s a fun twist on classic holiday flavors.

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