Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Introduction

The holidays wouldn’t feel complete without the warm, spicy scent of gingerbread cookies wafting through the house. These Gingerbread Cookies are a beloved treat, and for good reason. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses creates a rich, spiced flavor that is perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re cutting them into fun shapes like stars, gingerbread men, or Christmas trees, or simply enjoying the classic round cookies, these gingerbread cookies are a crowd-pleaser. I’ve made them every year with my family, and they never fail to bring smiles to everyone’s face, especially when they’re decorated with royal icing. The best part? These cookies are not only delicious, but they’re also fun to make, especially if you have kids helping with the cutting and decorating. If you’re looking for a timeless holiday treat that’s full of flavor and festive cheer, this gingerbread cookie recipe is sure to become a tradition in your home too.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious Gingerbread Cookies:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup molasses
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

These ingredients come together to create cookies that are perfectly spiced, soft on the inside with a crisp edge, and ready to be decorated with your favorite holiday designs.

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Chill the Dough:
   Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into discs, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour (or overnight). Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
3. Cut the Cookies:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Take one dough disc out of the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, whether it be gingerbread men, stars, or any other festive shapes you like. Carefully transfer the cut cookies to the prepared baking sheets.
4. Bake:
   Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the edges to be crisp while the centers remain soft. Once they are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per Serving: 150 calories
  (Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)

How to Serve

Gingerbread cookies are the perfect treat to share with family and friends during the holidays. Here are some great ways to serve them:

• Decorate them: Use royal icing, sprinkles, or candy to decorate your gingerbread cookies in fun and festive ways.
• Serve with hot cocoa: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat.
• As gifts: These cookies make for wonderful homemade gifts. Package them in a cute box or tin with some festive ribbon to share the holiday cheer.
• On a dessert platter: Include these cookies on a holiday dessert platter along with other treats like sugar cookies, fudge, and truffles.
• With tea: Serve with a nice cup of tea, especially spiced chai, to complement the flavors of the gingerbread.

Additional Tips

1. Softness vs. Crispiness: If you prefer your gingerbread cookies to be softer, bake them for 7-8 minutes. For a crisper cookie, bake them for 9-10 minutes.
2. Flour Your Rolling Pin: To avoid sticking, dust your rolling pin with flour before rolling out the dough.
3. Cookie Cutter Tips: If the dough starts to soften too much while cutting, pop it back into the fridge for a few minutes to firm up again.
4. Mixing the Dough: If you’re having trouble mixing the dough by hand, you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to help incorporate the ingredients.
5. Add-ins: Feel free to add in some chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist.

Recipe Variations

1. Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
2. Vegan Gingerbread Cookies: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
3. Chocolate Gingerbread: Add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist on these classic cookies.
4. Spicy Gingerbread: Add extra ground ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
5. Sugar-Coated Gingerbread: Instead of icing, roll your cookie shapes in sugar before baking for a sweet, crunchy coating.

Serving Suggestions

• As a dessert for a holiday meal: Serve them after a festive holiday dinner, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, for a sweet ending to the meal.
• As a snack: These cookies are perfect for snacking throughout the day, especially when paired with a warm beverage.
• In a holiday cookie exchange: Share these cookies with friends and family at a holiday cookie exchange party. They’re sure to be a hit!

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the dough before or after chilling. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight and proceed with the recipe.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Baked gingerbread cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature.
• Storage: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Decorated cookies should be stored in a single layer to prevent the icing from smudging.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to roll it out and bake.
2. Can I freeze the gingerbread cookies?
   Yes, both the dough and the baked cookies can be frozen for later use.
3. What is the best way to decorate gingerbread cookies?
   Use royal icing to pipe designs onto the cookies, and add sprinkles, candies, or other decorative elements.
4. How do I get the perfect cookie shape?
   Roll the dough out evenly to about ¼-inch thickness and use well-floured cookie cutters to ensure clean edges.
5. Can I make these cookies without molasses?
   Molasses gives these cookies their distinct flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with honey or dark corn syrup.
6. Can I use salted butter in this recipe?
   Unsalted butter is recommended for better control over the amount of salt in the dough. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.
7. Can I use a mixer to make the dough?
   Yes, a stand mixer or hand mixer works great for mixing the dough, especially when creaming the butter and sugar.
8. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
   Yes, you can use an egg substitute, such as a flaxseed egg or applesauce.
9. How can I make these cookies spicier?
   Add extra ground ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat and spice.
10. What’s the best way to store decorated gingerbread cookies?
    Store decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent smudging the icing.

Conclusion

These Gingerbread Cookies are a classic holiday treat that will bring warmth and joy to your kitchen and your gatherings. The rich, spicy flavor and the ability to cut them into fun shapes make them the perfect holiday project for families and friends. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange or just enjoying a festive snack, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. Enjoy decorating and sharing these delicious treats, and make the holiday season even sweeter with this timeless recipe!

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