Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
There’s something magical about the aroma of baking cookies in the fall, and Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies bring that warmth right into your kitchen. I remember the first time I made these delightful treats; the moment I pulled them from the oven, their crinkly tops dusted with powdered sugar made my heart skip a beat. It was the perfect afternoon, with a warm mug of tea and the sweet fragrance of ginger wafting through my home. Each cookie was a nostalgic bite of the holiday season, reminiscent of family gatherings and cozy evenings. Over the years, they’ve become a beloved staple, making appearances at Christmas parties and family dinners. If you’ve ever craved something that embodies the spirit of the holidays, look no further than these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. They’re not just cookies; they’re a hug in a treat, evoking the joy of the season with every bite.
Recipe Snapshot
18 mins
10 mins
8 mins
Easy
120 kcal
1 g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP
5 g
Mixing bowl set, KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer, Silicone Spatula Set
Why Try This Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
1. Comfort in Every Bite
The first reason I absolutely adore Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is the comfort they provide. The combination of warm spices creates a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of family traditions and cozy gatherings. Each bite is soft and chewy, transporting you to a winter wonderland, no matter the season.
2. Easy to Make
Another fantastic aspect of these cookies is how easy they are to whip up. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can pull these off with minimal fuss. The ingredients mix quickly, and you don’t need any fancy equipment. Just grab a mixing bowl and a hand mixer, and you’re ready to go!
3. Perfect for Sharing
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and are a hit at potlucks or bake sales. Their charming appearance and delicious taste make them a crowd-pleaser. I love packing them up in festive containers to share with friends and family. It’s a small gesture that spreads so much joy.
4. Versatile Flavor Profile
While the classic flavor of gingerbread is incredible, you can easily put your spin on these cookies. Whether it’s adding a hint of orange zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon, the base recipe allows for creativity. Plus, if you love ginger, like I do, you can enhance the spice with some finely chopped crystallized ginger for those chewy bites!
5. They Look Amazing
There’s no denying that the crinkly tops of these cookies, dusted with powdered sugar, make them visually stunning. They’re not just delicious; they’re a treat for the eyes, too! These cookies can elevate any dessert table, making them perfect for festive occasions.
6. A Holiday Tradition
Lastly, making Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies has become a cherished tradition for many families, including mine. It’s a wonderful way to bond with loved ones during the holiday season. Whether you’re baking solo or with your kids, these cookies create lasting memories every time you make them.
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients, and Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are no exception. The combination of sweet and spice creates a magical flavor that dances on your palate. The core ingredients work harmoniously together, bringing warmth and comfort to each bite. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need!
- 1 box spice cake mix (15.25 ounces) – This is the base of the cookie and brings in all the wonderful spices, making the cookies rich and flavorful.
- 2 large eggs – These bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the dough, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
- 3 tablespoons molasses – Adds a deep, rich sweetness and enhances the ginger flavor, making the cookies more aromatic.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – Provides moisture and helps in achieving a soft, tender cookie.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger – The star of the show, providing that classic ginger flavor we all love.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a touch of warmth to the cookies.
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar – For rolling the cookies, giving them that irresistible dusting and sweetness.
The Process for Making Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Making Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Once you gather your ingredients, the magic begins! Follow these simple steps to create a batch that will fill your home with delightful aromas.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, combine the spice cake mix, eggs, molasses, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until all the ingredients are well blended. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
Next, take a medium-sized bowl and place the powdered sugar in it. This will be used to coat the cookie dough balls.
Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons) or two spoons, scoop out balls of dough. Remember, the dough will be sticky, so make sure your hands are lightly floured if you’re shaping them with your palms.
Drop the cookie dough balls into the bowl of powdered sugar and roll them to coat evenly. This step adds a delightful sweetness and a beautiful finish to your cookies.
Gently form the dough into a ball by lightly rolling it between your palms. Don’t overwork the dough; you want them to remain soft.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking pan, spacing them about two inches apart. This allows them room to spread while baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 7 to 9 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the bottoms should be set while the middles may look slightly undercooked. This ensures they remain chewy.
Once done, allow the cookies to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps them firm up just right.
Things Worth Knowing
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just roll it in sugar before baking.
- Consistent Size: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes, allowing for even baking.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a spiced surprise.
- Cooling Rack: Always transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely; this prevents them from becoming soggy.
Expert Tips about Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
To make the most out of your Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, here are some expert tips that can elevate your baking game!
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them fresh, separate layers with parchment paper.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just roll them in powdered sugar, flash freeze them, then store in a zip-top bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Pairing: These cookies go wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or a spiced chai latte. The warmth of the drinks complements the ginger flavor perfectly.
- Variation: Try adding chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Ginger Variations: If you love ginger, consider adding finely chopped crystallized ginger to the dough for an extra burst of flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake; removing them while they look slightly undercooked is key to achieving that perfect chewy texture.
Great Combinations for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Serving Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to enjoy these delightful treats:
- Perfect for the Holidays: These cookies are ideal for Christmas gatherings, bringing a festive spirit to your dessert table.
- Tea Time Treat: Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
- Cookie Platters: Create a cookie platter by mixing these with other holiday cookies, like snickerdoodles or sugar cookies.
- Gift Giving: Package them in a cute box tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
- Enjoy with Ice Cream: Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert that combines warm and cold elements.
- Seasonal Events: These cookies fit perfectly at potlucks, Thanksgiving dinners, or any fall-themed party.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are not just treats; they’re a warm embrace during the colder months. They bring joy, comfort, and a touch of magic to any occasion. I encourage you to try making these charming cookies; they might just become your new holiday tradition. Enjoy every chewy, spiced bite!
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine spice cake mix, eggs, molasses, vegetable oil, and pure vanilla extract until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, place powdered sugar for rolling.
- Using a scoop, drop balls of dough into the powdered sugar and roll to coat.
- Form the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 7 to 9 minutes until the bottoms are set, and allow them to cool.
Notes
- If you want to up the spicy ginger flavor: try adding a couple tablespoons of finely chopped crystallized ginger to the cookie dough.
