Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the warm, spiced aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies filling your kitchen. These classic cookies are a holiday favorite, with a perfectly chewy texture and just the right amount of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses to bring out that traditional gingerbread flavor. Whether you’re baking with family, making edible gifts, or just indulging in a little holiday treat, these gingerbread cookies are sure to bring joy.

this Recipe

This recipe has been a tradition in my family for years, especially around Christmas. We love gathering around the table to decorate each cookie with royal icing, creating memories as sweet as the cookies themselves. Let’s dive into this beloved holiday recipe that’s as fun to make as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the best gingerbread cookies you’ll ever bake. This recipe brings together all the classic flavors you crave with a simple, approachable process that even beginner bakers can handle.

First, these cookies are packed with holiday spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a warm, inviting taste that’s perfect for winter gatherings. Every bite brings a comforting spiced sweetness that makes these cookies truly irresistible.

They’re also incredibly versatile. You can keep them simple or go all out with decorations. Whether you love a classic, plain gingerbread man or prefer elaborate icing designs, this dough holds its shape perfectly, giving you all the flexibility to make your cookies as festive as you like.

Plus, they’re ideal for baking with kids. The dough is easy to roll and cut, so kids can join in on the fun. Hand them a rolling pin and a few cookie cutters, and watch them create gingerbread masterpieces they’ll be excited to show off.

Finally, these cookies make amazing homemade gifts. Pack them in a decorative tin or tie them up with a festive ribbon, and you’ve got a charming, edible gift that anyone would be thrilled to receive.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these gingerbread cookies lies in their simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each element brings a unique quality, from the spices that create the perfect holiday taste to the molasses that adds a rich, chewy texture.

• All-purpose flour is the base of these cookies, giving them structure and the perfect chewy texture. For a soft, pliable dough that’s easy to roll, be sure to measure the flour correctly and avoid packing it too tightly in the measuring cup.
• Ginger, cinnamon, and cloves form the heart of gingerbread flavor. Fresh, high-quality spices will give you the best taste, so if your spices have been sitting in the pantry for a few years, it’s worth refreshing them.
• Molasses adds a signature depth and sweetness to these cookies. Look for unsulphured molasses, as it has a cleaner, more natural flavor. Avoid blackstrap molasses, which is too bitter for baking.
• Brown sugar brings a hint of caramel flavor and extra moisture to the dough. I recommend using light brown sugar for a balanced sweetness, though dark brown sugar works if you prefer a slightly richer taste.
• Butter makes these cookies tender and gives them that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Room-temperature butter is key for blending well with the sugar and molasses, so set it out ahead of time for the best results.

You’ll also need a few tools like a rolling pin, cookie cutters, and a baking sheet. A cooling rack is helpful for letting the cookies cool evenly before decorating, and if you plan to ice them, a piping bag or small icing bottle makes for easy, precise designs.

How To Make This Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Making these gingerbread cookies is easier than you might think, and the whole process is a fun way to embrace the holiday spirit. Here’s how to do it, step by step.

Start by creaming the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step helps create a tender cookie texture and ensures the sweetness is evenly distributed. Next, mix in the molasses and egg. The molasses brings that rich color and traditional gingerbread flavor, while the egg helps bind everything together.

In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Adding the baking soda helps the cookies puff up slightly for a soft texture without losing their shape during baking.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky, making it easy to handle. Divide the dough in half, flatten it into discs, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough for at least one hour – this helps the cookies keep their shape and makes rolling easier.

Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake; you want the centers to remain soft.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now they’re ready for decorating! Use royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to make your cookies as festive as you’d like.

Storage Options

These gingerbread cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for baking ahead during the busy holiday season.

For short-term storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and chewy, and you can decorate them anytime.

If you want to make them well in advance, the baked cookies can be frozen for up to three months. Layer them with wax paper in an airtight container to prevent them from sticking together. Thaw them at room temperature, and they’re ready to decorate or enjoy.

The dough itself can also be frozen. After chilling, wrap the discs tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then roll and cut as usual.

Variations and Substitutions

These gingerbread cookies are as customizable as they are delicious, and there are plenty of ways to make them uniquely yours.

For a slightly different flavor, try adding orange zest to the dough. The hint of citrus pairs beautifully with the spices and gives the cookies an extra festive twist.

Want a touch of crunch? Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top of the cookies before baking. It adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful sparkle, perfect for holiday parties.

If you prefer softer cookies, you can reduce the baking time by a minute. For crisper cookies, leave them in the oven an extra minute or two, but keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour. The cookies will be slightly more delicate but just as delicious.

Lastly, experiment with decorations! Royal icing is traditional, but melted chocolate, colorful sprinkles, or edible pearls can turn these cookies into eye-catching treats that everyone will love.

These gingerbread cookies are a wonderful way to bring people together and celebrate the holiday season. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of cookies that will fill your home with warmth and joy. Happy baking!

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