Nothing says “holidays” quite like the smell of freshly baked Gingerbread Cookies wafting through the house. With their warm spices and molasses flavor, these cookies are perfect for decorating or enjoying as a festive treat with family and friends.
Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookies
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Roll and Cut the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness.
- Use gingerbread-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
4. Bake
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers are still slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating Your Gingerbread Cookies
Once your cookies are cool, the fun begins! Use royal icing to add festive decorations. You can pipe patterns, make faces, or outline the cookies for a professional look. Sprinkles, candy, and edible glitter also make great additions.
Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cookies
- Keep Dough Cool: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and prevents the cookies from spreading while baking.
- Adjust Spices: If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
- Storage: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Decorated cookies can last up to 4 days.
Why Gingerbread Cookies Are a Holiday Classic
Gingerbread Cookies bring the festive spirit to life. Their combination of sweet and spicy flavors, along with the opportunity to decorate them with loved ones, makes them a cherished holiday tradition. Whether you’re making a batch for a party or creating edible ornaments for your Christmas tree, these cookies are bound to impress.
FAQs About Gingerbread Cookies
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain the dough’s structure.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread helps retain moisture, keeping the cookies soft.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Conclusion
Baking Gingerbread Cookies is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience that brings people together during the most wonderful time of the year. With their rich flavor, perfect texture, and endless decorating possibilities, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your holiday traditions.
Gather your family and make these classic Gingerbread Cookies today. Happy baking!