Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Make this Gingerbread Cookies Recipe for your next holiday party! These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends. With their warm spices and sweet aroma, they create a festive atmosphere that everyone will love. Plus, the fun of decorating them makes this recipe a fantastic activity for all ages!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices like ginger and cinnamon creates a warm and inviting taste that is synonymous with the holidays.
• Easy to Make: This gingerbread cookies recipe is simple enough for bakers of all levels, making it accessible for everyone.
• Fun for Everyone: Decorating these cookies can be a fun family activity, allowing creativity to shine through various icing and sprinkle designs.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack these cookies in decorative boxes or bags to share with loved ones as thoughtful homemade gifts.
• Versatile Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create various shapes, from classic gingerbread men to festive stars and snowflakes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheets
• Cookie cutters

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ideal for creaming butter and sugars together quickly and efficiently.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy; simply lift the cookies off when baked.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness when rolling out dough, ensuring uniform cookies.

Ingredients

To create these scrumptious gingerbread cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams, room temperature (2 sticks))
• ½ cup dark brown sugar (107 grams)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt (5 grams)
• ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1 large egg (50 grams, room temperature and lightly beaten)
• 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses (43 grams)
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (270 grams)
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger (9 grams)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams)
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (3 grams)
• ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
• Icing and sprinkles (for decorating)

How to Make Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salts together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the egg and molasses and mix at medium speed until well combined, about 1 minute.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, apple pie spice, ginger, and cloves until evenly mixed.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in the stand mixer while mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

1. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure no flour remains unincorporated.
2. Divide the dough in half and place one half on parchment paper. Roll it out to about ⅜-inch thick.
3. Transfer this rolled dough onto a large sheet pan using parchment paper. Repeat with the second half of dough.
4. Cover both layers with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 4: Bake Your Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with fresh parchment paper.
2. Once chilled, remove dough from refrigerator and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place onto prepared baking sheets.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are just beginning to darken.

Step 5: Cool & Decorate

1. Remove cookies from oven; let cool on baking sheets for 1 minute before transferring them to a cooling rack.
2. Allow cookies to fully cool before decorating them with icing and sprinkles as desired.

Enjoy your homemade gingerbread cookies! They make perfect treats during holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home!

How to Serve Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Gingerbread cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home. They can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Hot Chocolate: The rich, creamy taste of hot chocolate complements the spicy sweetness of gingerbread.
• Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea adds a fragrant touch that pairs beautifully with gingerbread flavors.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Cookies: Combine gingerbread cookies with other festive cookies for a colorful and varied dessert spread.
• Fruit Garnish: Add slices of fresh fruit like oranges or apples to your platter for a refreshing contrast.

Decorate with Icing

• Royal Icing: Use royal icing to create intricate designs on your gingerbread cookies for an eye-catching display.
• Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the icing to bring some fun and cheer to your cookie presentation.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

To achieve the best results with your gingerbread cookies, here are some helpful tips:

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading during baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for maximum flavor; stale spices can dull the taste.
• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour, to ensure consistent results.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Gingerbread cookies can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that enhance their festive appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Eggnog: This creamy holiday drink pairs perfectly with the spiced flavors of gingerbread.
2. Pumpkin Pie: The warmth of pumpkin pie adds another layer of holiday flavor that complements gingerbread.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers a savory contrast to the sweetness of gingerbread cookies.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides freshness and balances the richness of the cookies.
5. Nut Mix: A mix of roasted nuts adds crunch and depth, making it a satisfying pairing with soft cookies.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of gingerbread into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat that guests will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making gingerbread cookies is a fun and festive activity, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always use room temperature butter for a fluffy texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much will make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined for the best results.
• Skipping refrigeration: Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too much. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to maintain shape.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can dry out the cookies. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level off for accuracy.
• Ignoring baking time: Baking for too long can lead to hard cookies. Keep an eye on them; they should be just starting to darken at the edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store gingerbread cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm a skillet over low heat and place cookies inside, covering with a lid for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making gingerbread cookies.

How do I keep my Gingerbread Cookies Recipe soft?

To keep your gingerbread cookies soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The moisture from the bread helps maintain softness.

Can I use whole wheat flour in my Gingerbread Cookies Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

What decorations work well with Gingerbread Cookies?

Royal icing, colored sugar sprinkles, and edible glitter are popular choices. Get creative with various toppings!

How long do baked Gingerbread Cookies last?

Baked gingerbread cookies can last up to two weeks at room temperature if stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family nights at home. The delightful spices and sweet molasses create a festive treat everyone will love. Feel free to customize your gingerbread men with different shapes or decorations—let your creativity shine!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Gingerbread Cookies

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with our delightful Gingerbread Cookies Recipe, perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy gatherings at home. These scrumptious cookies are infused with warm spices like ginger and cinnamon, creating an inviting aroma that fills the air. Not only are they easy to make, but decorating them can be a fun activity for everyone, allowing your creativity to shine through various icing and sprinkle designs. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or gifted in decorative boxes, these gingerbread cookies will surely spread joy during the holiday season.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
• ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
• Icing and sprinkles (for decorating)

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Instructions

1. In a stand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter with both sugars and salts until light and fluffy. Add the egg and molasses; mix until combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and spices. Gradually add to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined.
3. Chill dough for at least 2 hours. Roll out to ⅜-inch thick on parchment paper.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cut dough into desired shapes. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges darken slightly.
5. Cool on racks and decorate as desired.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: General

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 104
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg