Gingerbread Cookies – Soft, Spiced & Perfect for the Holidays

why make this recipe

Gingerbread cookies are a classic treat that brings warmth and joy, especially during the holiday season. They have a lovely mix of spices that create a cozy aroma in your kitchen. These cookies are not only delicious but also fun to make, whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing with family and friends. Plus, decorating gingerbread cookies is an enjoyable activity for all ages!

how to make Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients :

• 3 and 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 10 Tablespoons (142g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2/3 cup (160ml; about 200g) unsulphured or dark molasses
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Optional: easy cookie icing, royal icing, or cookie buttercream

Directions :

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Set this mixture aside.
2. In another large bowl, use a handheld mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the softened butter for 1 minute on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the brown sugar and molasses to the butter and mix on medium-high speed until well combined and creamy. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
4. Next, add the egg and vanilla. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl again as needed. It’s okay if the butter looks a bit separated.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until everything is combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
6. Divide the dough in half and wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap, pressing down to form a disc. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours (or up to 3 days), as chilling is important for the cookies.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
8. Once chilled, remove one disc of dough from the fridge. Lightly flour your work surface, hands, and rolling pin. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick. The dough might crack a bit; just meld the edges with your fingers.
9. Cut the rolled dough into shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Re-roll the scraps until all the dough is shaped, and repeat with the second disc.
10. Bake the cookies for about 9-10 minutes. Smaller cookies may need only 8 minutes, while larger cookies could take up to 11 minutes. Rotate the pan once during baking if needed.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Once cool, decorate as desired.
12. These cookies can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 1 week when stored properly.

how to serve Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are delightful on their own, but they can be even better with a touch of decoration! You can choose to frost them with icing or simply dust them with powdered sugar. They make a lovely treat for holiday gatherings or simply as a sweet snack enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

how to store Gingerbread Cookies

To keep your gingerbread cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help them stay soft and flavorful. They can remain fresh in this way for about a week. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies
• Brown Butter Iced Cookies
• Easy Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
• Gluten-Free Snickerdoodle Cookies
• Almond Butter Protein Bites
• Vanilla Maple Protein Balls

tips to make Gingerbread Cookies

1. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the dough hold its shape while baking.
2. Use Flour: Lightly flour your working surfaces to prevent sticking, especially when rolling out the dough.
3. Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Baking times can vary based on the oven and the size of the cookies.

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variation

You can add a twist to your gingerbread cookies by incorporating chocolate chips or nuts into the dough. For a more adventurous flavor, try using pumpkin pie spice instead of traditional spices for a different taste!

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FAQs

1. Can I use honey instead of molasses?
   Yes, you can substitute honey for molasses, but it will change the flavor and texture of the cookies slightly.

2. How do I make the dough less sticky?
   If your dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable.

3. Can I decorate these cookies?
   Absolutely! You can use royal icing, glaze, or even regular frosting to decorate your gingerbread cookies for a festive look.