Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

There's nothing like the warm, spicy scent of gingerbread cookies filling your kitchen during the holiday season. These cookies, with their rich molasses and aromatic spices, have the power to transform any winter day into a cozy, festive celebration.

I first discovered my love for gingerbread when baking with my grandmother, her kitchen dusted in flour and the air heavy with the smell of ginger and cinnamon. Today, baking these cookies still feels like a special tradition, perfect for sharing with friends and family or decorating with loved ones.

Ready to bake up some memories? Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love These Gingerbread Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with the perfect holiday treat. These gingerbread cookies check all the boxes for flavor, texture, and festivity.

First off, the spices in these cookies will warm your heart. A blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves infuses every bite with that signature holiday aroma. The addition of molasses gives these cookies a rich depth that pairs beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea.

The dough is wonderfully easy to work with, making this recipe ideal for holiday baking marathons. You can roll it out, cut it into fun shapes, and even have a blast decorating each cookie with royal icing and colorful sprinkles.

Best of all, these cookies have the perfect balance between chewy and crisp. They’re sturdy enough for decorating but still have a delightful, tender bite. Whether you like them plain or heavily adorned with icing, these cookies never fail to please.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of gingerbread cookies lies in the perfect combination of simple, wholesome ingredients. Let’s break down the key components and why they matter.

All-Purpose Flour

This serves as the base of the dough, providing structure. Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid overly dry cookies.

Molasses

This is the secret to the rich, almost caramel-like flavor of gingerbread. Unsulphured molasses is best, as it has a cleaner, more refined flavor compared to blackstrap molasses, which can be too bitter.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds moisture and enhances the molasses flavor. I prefer using dark brown sugar for an extra depth of flavor, but light brown sugar will work in a pinch.

Spices

The blend of ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg is what gives these cookies their iconic warmth. Make sure your spices are fresh to get the most vibrant flavors possible.

Butter

Softened unsalted butter creates a tender, flavorful cookie. If using salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly.

Special Equipment

While you don’t need much, a set of holiday-themed cookie cutters and a good rolling pin will make your cookie-baking experience much more fun and festive!

How To Make These Gingerbread Cookies

Creating these delightful gingerbread cookies is simple and fun. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add in the molasses and egg, mixing until well combined. The mixture might look slightly curdled, but that’s okay!

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and all your spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies hold their shape.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them – they can overbake quickly! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Decorate

Once the cookies have cooled, it’s time to decorate! Prepare a batch of royal icing and use a piping bag to add intricate designs, or keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Let your creativity shine, and don’t be afraid to get the whole family involved!

These cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage.

Storage Options

Gingerbread cookies are perfect for making ahead and storing for later. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature

Store baked and decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. I like to place a small piece of bread in the container to help keep the cookies soft.

Freezing the Dough

You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it well in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Baked and undecorated cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Stack them with sheets of wax paper in between, and store them in an airtight container. Decorate after thawing for best results.

Reheating Instructions

If you prefer your cookies warm, you can reheat them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back their freshly baked texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This gingerbread cookie recipe is super versatile, and there are plenty of ways to customize it.

Gluten-Free Option

To make these cookies gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking soda and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Vegan Substitution

Swap out the butter for a vegan alternative and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!

Spicy Kick

If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough. It sounds unusual, but the warmth complements the spices beautifully.

Citrus Twist

Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy note. It pairs wonderfully with the warm spices and makes the cookies extra festive.

Decor Ideas

Try using white chocolate drizzle, sanding sugar, or candy beads to make your cookies sparkle. For a simple look, dust with powdered sugar or use classic royal icing.

However you choose to make these cookies, don’t be afraid to put your own spin on them and enjoy the holiday magic!

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