Making Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to create irresistible cookies:

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and light.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
7. Prepare for Baking: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop dough into balls about 1 inch in size.
8. Roll in Sugar: Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
9. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and crinkled. They should be soft in the center.
11. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

By adhering to these steps, you’ll create beautiful and delicious Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies that are perfect for any occasion.