Ginger Crinkles are a classic American cookie known for their soft centers, crackled sugar-coated tops, and warm blend of spices. Popular throughout the mid-20th century, these cookies became a favorite for holiday baking thanks to the rich flavor of molasses paired with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The simple technique of sprinkling a few drops of water on the sugared dough before baking creates the distinctive crinkled appearance that gives these cookies their name. Crisp around the edges yet tender inside, Ginger Crinkles offer a comforting balance of sweetness and spice. They are especially welcome during fall and winter gatherings, cookie exchanges, and holiday celebrations, but their timeless flavor makes them a delicious treat any time of year.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup shortening
- 1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a medium bowl.
Step 2: Cream the Shortening and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening and brown sugar until soft and creamy.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the egg and molasses until thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Form the Dough
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (moderate oven).
- Grease 2 cookie sheets.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
- Form the dough into balls about the size of a large walnut.
- Dip the tops into granulated sugar.
- Place sugar-side up on the prepared cookie sheets about 3 inches apart.
Step 8: Create the Crinkle Effect
- Sprinkle 2 to 3 drops of water on top of each cookie.
Step 9: Bake
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are firm but not hard.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve once completely cooled.
Tips
- Roll the cookies in coarse sanding sugar for extra sparkle.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for deeper spice flavor.
- Use butter-flavored shortening for a richer taste.
- Chill the dough longer if it feels sticky.
- Add finely chopped crystallized ginger for extra zing.
- Drizzle cooled cookies with a light vanilla glaze.
- Substitute dark molasses for a stronger flavor.
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for future baking.
- Add orange zest for a citrus-spice variation.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain softness.
Nutrition
Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 25IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg