Gingerbread Cookies – Spiced, Soft, and Perfect for the Holidays

Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat, known for their rich, spiced flavor and ability to bring festive cheer to any occasion. These cookies are soft, aromatic, and perfect for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or even turning into gingerbread men. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just indulging in a cozy moment at home, this gingerbread cookie recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Baking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Number of Servings: 24 cookies
• Serving Size: 1 cookie per person

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients List

• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (60ml) molasses
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated (optional for extra zing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Detailed Method of Preparation

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until the dough comes together. If you’re adding fresh grated ginger, stir it in at this point.
2. Chill the Dough:
   Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them into discs. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This chilling step is essential to prevent the dough from spreading too much during baking.
3. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Roll and Cut the Dough:
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, such as gingerbread men, stars, or hearts. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
5. Bake:
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Decorate (Optional):
   Once the cookies are completely cool, you can decorate them with royal icing, colored sugars, or sprinkles. For a classic look, use white icing to create intricate designs or simple icing outlines.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Roll the Dough Evenly: For uniform cookies, make sure to roll the dough evenly with a rolling pin, using two guide sticks (such as dowels or wooden spoons) on either side of the dough to ensure consistent thickness.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature butter will incorporate better into the dough, leading to a smoother texture and more even baking.
• Molasses Substitute: If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will differ slightly.
• Spicy Kick: If you love extra spice, consider adding a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger for a more intense flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze gingerbread cookie dough?
A: Yes! You can freeze the dough before or after chilling. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.

Q: Can I make gingerbread cookies without molasses?
A: Molasses provides the rich flavor and color for gingerbread cookies. If you don’t have molasses, try using honey or maple syrup as a substitute, but keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary slightly.

Q: How can I make the cookies crispy instead of soft?
A: For crispier cookies, roll the dough thinner and bake them for a minute or two longer, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Q: Can I decorate gingerbread cookies with royal icing?
A: Absolutely! Royal icing works beautifully for decorating gingerbread cookies. It hardens as it dries, providing a smooth and glossy finish perfect for detailed designs.

Gingerbread cookies are a beloved treat that brings warmth and joy to any holiday celebration. Whether you’re baking with the kids, preparing for a cookie exchange, or just enjoying a cozy evening at home, these spiced, soft cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition. Don’t forget to get creative with decorations and share them with loved ones for an extra special touch!