Get ready to dive into the warm, spiced world of cookies! Here's the scoop on all you need to know about gingerbread cookies recipe!
Whether you're building gingerbread houses, decorating gingerbread people, or indulging in soft and delicious cookies, this easy gingerbread recipe is perfect for any holiday baking project.
With a delightful blend of molasses, brown sugar, and spices, these cut-out cookies are easy to make and hard to resist.
If you're looking for your new go-to gingerbread treat, look no further—you’ll love this recipe.
Ingredients for the Best Gingerbread Cookies
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup blackstrap molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make This Gingerbread
1. Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
This step ensures your spices are evenly distributed, giving the dough that signature gingerbread flavor.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.
This process ensures your cookie dough is smooth and easy to work with.
3. Add Eggs and Molasses
With the mixer running, add the eggs one at a time.
Slowly pour in the molasses and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
At this point, the dough will look dark and aromatic—perfect for making molasses cookies with a deep, rich flavor.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using the mixer.
Mix just until the dough comes together—it will be sticky but manageable.
Refrigerate the gingerbread dough for at least 2 hours wrapped in plastic wrap. This step is key for softer cookies that hold their shape.
Time to Roll and Cut Out Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface using a rolling pin to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use your favorite cookie cutters to make shapes—whether it's a classic gingerbread man or fun gingerbread people.
Bake and Cool the Cookies
- Place the cut-out shapes on the prepared baking sheets and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow the baked cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate with Royal Icing
Decorating gingerbread cookies is as fun as it is festive!
Start with royal icing, which is perfect for detailed designs because it hardens beautifully, keeping everything in place.
To make it, whisk together powdered sugar, egg whites, and a touch of lemon juice until smooth.
Outline your gingerbread man or gingerbread people first, then flood the center with thinner icing for a smooth surface.
Use candies, sprinkles, or sanding sugar to add texture while the icing is wet.
If you want extra detail, let the base layer dry completely before adding more designs on top.
Whether you’re making stars, snowflakes, or quirky holiday shapes, decorating is all about creativity—each cookie becomes a personal masterpiece perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa!
Tips for Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
- Softer cookies: Slightly underbake the cookies if you prefer them to be soft and chewy.
- Crispy cookies: Bake for a few extra minutes for crispy edges and a classic gingerbread snap.
- Easy to work with dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookie dough stay firm and prevents it from spreading too much.
- Favorite cookie alert: These cookies bake beautifully and hold their shape, making them a great recipe for gingerbread houses or cut-out cookies.
Gingerbread Cookies
So gather your cookie recipes, dust off your rolling pin, and follow this recipe for gingerbread to create the best gingerbread cookies.
Once your baked cookies are decorated and the cookies cool, you’ll see why people who made these cookies say the recipe is perfect.
Ready to dive into the holiday spirit? Make this gingerbread and enjoy the magic of baking!
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