Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Make this Gingerbread Cookies Recipe for your next holiday party. These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing and will fill your home with the warm aroma of spices. Their rich flavor and festive shapes make them a favorite, whether for decorating or simply enjoying with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices and molasses creates a rich, warm taste that embodies the spirit of the holidays.
• Versatile Shapes: Cut the dough into various shapes—gingerbread men, stars, or holiday trees—for a fun decorating experience.
• Fun Family Activity: Gather your loved ones for an enjoyable baking session that creates lasting memories during the holiday season.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack these cookies in festive boxes or tins to share with neighbors, friends, or as party favors.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the Gingerbread Cookies Recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Cookie cutters

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes mixing the dough effortless and ensures a light, fluffy texture.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out your dough evenly to achieve consistent cookie thickness.
• Cookie cutters: Use these to create fun shapes that enhance the visual appeal of your cookies.

Ingredients

Make this family of gingerbread cookies for your next holiday party.

• 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 Your Dough

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. Add the egg and molasses, mixing at medium speed until well combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, apple pie spice, ginger, and cloves. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; this will help keep your cookies tender.

Step 3: Chill Your Dough

Divide the dough in half. Place one half on parchment paper and roll it out to ⅜-inch thick. Transfer it onto a large sheet pan using the parchment paper. Repeat with the second half of dough. Stack both halves on top of each other on the sheet pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 4: Preheat Oven & Cut Shapes

Once chilled, remove dough from refrigerator and preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut out desired shapes using cookie cutters and place them onto prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Bake & Cool

Bake cookies for 10–12 minutes or until edges begin to darken slightly. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for 1 minute before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating.

Step 6: Decorate & Serve

Once cooled, decorate as desired with icing and sprinkles before serving. Enjoy these festive treats!

How to Serve Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Gingerbread cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Hot Beverages

• Hot Chocolate: Pair your gingerbread cookies with rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• Spiced Tea: The warmth of spiced tea complements the flavors of ginger and cinnamon perfectly.
• Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Serve your gingerbread cookies alongside other holiday cookies for a festive dessert spread.
• Cheese Board: Add some cheese to your platter for a sweet and savory combination that guests will love.

Decorated for the Holidays

• Icing Designs: Use colorful icing to create fun shapes and designs, making them visually appealing.
• Sprinkles and Edible Glitter: Decorate with festive sprinkles or edible glitter for an extra touch of holiday cheer.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Perfecting your gingerbread cookies can take practice, but these tips will help you achieve delicious results every time.

• Chill Your Dough: Chilling the dough allows it to firm up, making it easier to cut into shapes without losing detail.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to ensure soft, tender cookies. Overmixing can lead to tough results.
• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Check the expiration dates on your spices for optimal taste.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges start to darken for perfect texture.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Pairing side dishes with gingerbread cookies can create a delightful meal experience. Here are some tasty options.

1. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the spiced cookie flavors.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light counterpart to the richness of gingerbread.
3. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream is perfect for dipping or topping.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of gingerbread in warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat.
5. Nut Mix: A bowl of assorted nuts offers a crunchy texture that complements soft cookies well.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, fruit, and crumbled gingerbread for a unique dessert option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking gingerbread cookies can be a delightful experience, but certain common mistakes can hinder your success.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients and measuring cups for liquids to ensure perfect results.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is essential for shaping and preventing spreading during baking. Always refrigerate your dough for at least 2 hours.
• Baking on ungreased sheets: Using parchment paper or greasing your baking sheets helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. Don’t skip this step!
• Not letting cookies cool properly: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a rack is crucial. This helps them set and prevents breakage.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store gingerbread cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

• To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Gingerbread Cookies Recipe that might help you while baking.

How do I make gingerbread cookies softer?

To achieve softer gingerbread cookies, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when they are just set and allow them to cool completely.

Can I decorate gingerbread cookies with royal icing?

Yes! Royal icing is perfect for decorating gingerbread cookies. Just ensure it hardens properly before stacking or storing.

What spices can I use in my gingerbread cookies recipe?

Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom alongside traditional ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for added flavor.

How long do gingerbread cookies last?

When stored correctly, gingerbread cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings and family celebrations. The warm spices create a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen with joy. Plus, you can customize these cookies with various decorations and shapes! Give this recipe a try, and make it your own!

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: Amelia
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Bake delightful Gingerbread Cookies with this easy recipe that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. These aromatic cookies, filled with warm spices like ginger and cinnamon, will fill your home with festive cheer. They are not only fun to make but also great for sharing or gifting. Whether you choose to decorate them as whimsical shapes or enjoy them plain, these cookies are sure to be a hit among family and friends.

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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 (lightly beaten)
• 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 butter, sugars, and salts until fluffy. Add the egg and molasses; mix until combined.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and spices. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
3. Divide dough in half; roll each half out on parchment paper to about ⅜ inch thick. Stack and chill for at least 2 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut shapes using cookie cutters and place on lined baking sheets.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges darken slightly. Cool completely before decorating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
• Calories: 107
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 74mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg