Get ready to transform your kitchen into a magical holiday wonderland with these irresistible Gingerbread Cookies! Imagine crafting adorable little gingerbread people that not only look cute but taste absolutely divine. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this recipe will guide you through creating a charming gingerbread family that will become the star of your holiday gatherings. With warm, spicy notes of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies aren't just a treat—they're an experience that will fill your home with joy and nostalgia.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In another large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the molasses and egg to the butter-sugar mixture, and continue to beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This will make rolling out the dough easier.
- Once the dough is chilled, remove one portion from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread shapes, such as people, animals, or festive decorations.
- Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, use a toothpick to create holes for hanging or decorating later.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers appear slightly soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can decorate them with icing, candies, or sprinkles as desired to create your gingerbread family. Enjoy your delicious creations!
Tips
- Chill the Dough: Never skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the dough for at least an hour makes it easier to roll and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Flour Your Surface: When rolling out the dough, use a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking and ensure smooth cookie cutting.
- Consistent Thickness: Try to roll the dough to an even 1/4-inch thickness for uniform baking and a perfect texture.
- Don't Overbake: Remove cookies when edges are firm but centers are slightly soft. They'll continue to set as they cool.
- Decorating Magic: Let cookies cool completely before decorating to ensure your icing and decorations stick perfectly.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze decorated cookies for up to a month.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
