Bite into a Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie, and you’ll be transported straight to the heart of winter wonderland. Imagine soft, chewy cookies that crackle like frosted glass, dusted generously with powdered sugar. The warm aroma of ginger and spices wafts through the air, causing your taste buds to dance with anticipation. Perfect for the Holiday Cookie Swap, these delightful treats promise to steal the spotlight and leave everyone asking for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this holiday meal ideas recipe.
As you gather around with family and friends, these cookies become more than just a dessert; they become part of cherished memories. Picture this: laughter fills the air as you share stories over platters piled high with these irresistible goodies. Whether it’s a cozy evening by the fireplace or a festive gathering, Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are sure to add sweetness and joy to any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are simple to make, perfect for cookie swaps
- Their delightful balance of spice and sweetness is sure to impress
- Visually stunning with their crackled tops, they look festive on any platter
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite spices or chocolate chips for added flair
My friends still rave about the time I brought these cookies to our holiday get-together; every bite was met with delighted oohs and aahs.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this delicious desserts and sweets recipe.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it well for a light texture in your cookies.
- Brown Sugar: Use dark brown sugar for deeper molasses flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
- Ground Ginger: Freshly ground ginger adds a vibrant kick; choose quality spices for maximum flavor.
- Cinnamon: A must-have spice that brings warmth; use Ceylon cinnamon for more complex notes.
- Baking Powder: Helps your cookies rise perfectly; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness; room temperature eggs work best.
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for rich flavor; soften it beforehand for easier mixing.
- Powdered Sugar: For that signature snowy topping; sift before use to avoid lumps.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Mixing the Dough: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until fluffy and light in color. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
Add Flour and Spices: Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour along with baking powder, ground ginger, and cinnamon into the mixture. Stir until just combined but avoid over-mixing to keep those cookies tender.
Chill Out Time: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps enhance flavors while making it easier to scoop later.
Forming Cookies: Once chilled, roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated—this gives them that iconic crinkle effect when baked.
Baking perfections!: Place rolled balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart so they have room to spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Cooling Down : Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them firm up while keeping that chewy center intact.
Enjoy these holiday favorites right out of the oven or store them in an airtight container—if they last long enough!
You Must Know
- Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies for the Holiday Cookie Swap can be a delightful treat
- The spices create an inviting aroma that fills your home, while the crinkles add a fun texture
- These cookies are perfect for sharing, making them ideal for holiday gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F before mixing your dough. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes prevents spreading, ensuring perfectly crinkled cookies.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to elevate the flavors of your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. A sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a gourmet touch.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For a warm treat, reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve those iconic crinkles, roll your dough balls in powdered sugar generously
- Make sure your eggs are room temperature for better incorporation
- If you like more spice, increase the ginger and cinnamon slightly
Baking these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays. Everyone would gather, the air thick with laughter and ginger spice, as we filled tins with these delightful treats.
FAQ
Can I freeze Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies?
Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months for later enjoyment.
What makes crinkle cookies crinkle?
Rolling them in powdered sugar before baking creates that signature crinkled effect on top.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but it may change the texture slightly; expect denser cookies!
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are the perfect festive treat to brighten your holiday gatherings. These soft, chewy cookies boast a delightful crackled surface and are generously dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Infused with the warm spices of ginger and cinnamon, they’re sure to create cherished memories as you share them with loved ones. Easy to make and visually stunning, these cookies are an impressive addition to any cookie swap or holiday celebration.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, ginger, and cinnamon until just combined.
- Cover dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg