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Easy Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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Enjoy this easy gingerbread crinkle cookies recipe with a perfect balance of sweet and spice. Ready in just a few steps!

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including chilling)
  • Yield: 18-20 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened – The butter should be at room temperature to easily cream with the sugar, giving the cookies their rich and moist texture.
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices.
  • 1 egg – Binds the dough together and adds moisture.
  • ¼ cup molasses – Provides a deep, rich flavor and classic gingerbread color.
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the dough, giving the cookies their structure.
  • 2 tsp baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and creates the signature crinkle effect.
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg – Adds a slightly nutty, warm flavor.
  • 1 tsp ground ginger – Provides a zesty, spicy kick that’s essential for gingerbread.
  • 1 tsp cinnamon – Contributes to the warm, spicy undertone of the cookies.
  • Powdered sugar for rolling – Coats the cookies, creating their characteristic crinkle appearance when baked.

Instructions

1. Creaming the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together the softened butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies a tender, airy texture.

2. Adding Molasses and Egg

Once your butter and sugar are well combined, add the molasses and the egg to the bowl. Mix again until the ingredients are fully incorporated. The molasses not only adds flavor but also contributes to the moisture and chewy texture of the cookies.

3. Mixing in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Continue until no streaks of flour remain, and the dough comes together. This dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

4. Chilling the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling the dough is essential as it helps the cookies retain their shape while baking and enhances the flavors.

5. Shaping and Coating with Powdered Sugar

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough is chilled, divide it into 18-20 spoonfuls and roll each portion into a smooth ball. Generously roll each dough ball in powdered sugar, ensuring they are fully covered. This coating will create the signature crinkle effect as the cookies bake.

6. Baking to Perfection

Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. The cookies should have a golden-brown edge with a slightly soft center. This gives them a delightful contrast between a crisp exterior and a chewy, tender interior.

7. Cooling the Cookies

Once baked, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes to set. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their shape and ensures the perfect texture.

Notes

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Gingerbread crinkle cookies are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. Arrange them on a festive platter with a sprinkling of powdered sugar or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert!

  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert