Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 30mins | 24 cookies
There’s something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked gingerbread cookies wafting through your kitchen during the holidays. Whether you’re baking them for a Christmas party, a family gathering, or just to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa, this gingerbread cookie recipe will fill your home with festive warmth. These cookies are soft, spiced just right, and perfect for decorating with icing or sprinkles.
Why You’ll Love Recipe
There are countless reasons why this gingerbread cookie recipe stands out:
Perfectly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses for that authentic festive flavor.
Easy to roll and cut, making it a fun baking project for kids and adults alike.
Soft in the center yet slightly crisp on the edges, giving you the best of both textures.
Ideal for decorating – you can get as creative as you like with royal icing and edible glitter.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
Âľ cup unsalted butter, softened
Âľ cup brown sugar, packed
â…” cup molasses
1 large egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
ÂĽ teaspoon ground cloves
ÂĽ teaspoon nutmeg
Tip: For a slightly stronger flavor, add a pinch more ginger or molasses to your dough.
Directions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures your gingerbread cookies have the perfect soft texture.
2. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and molasses until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The molasses gives your cookies their signature deep color and rich flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a thick dough forms.
4. Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling helps firm the dough, making it easier to roll and cut into shapes.
5. Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters gingerbread men, stars, or snowflakes to shape your cookies.
6. Bake
Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes. Keep an eye on them they should be firm around the edges but soft in the center.
7. Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating with icing, sprinkles, or candy. This is the fun part, especially if you’re baking with kids!
Decorating Ideas for Gingerbread Cookies
Get creative! Here are a few fun ideas:
Classic icing outlines using royal icing and piping bags.
Add candy buttons or chocolate chips for extra texture.
Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.
Use edible gold or silver pearls for a festive twist.
For an easy royal icing, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk and a few drops of vanilla extract. Adjust consistency as needed.
Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cookies
Don’t skip chilling the dough it prevents spreading and helps your cookies hold their shape.
Use dark molasses for richer flavor and deeper color.
Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft. Remove them just when the edges start to brown.
Store properly keep cookies in an airtight container for up to one week. They actually taste better the next day!
Nutrition Facts
*Per serving (1 slice)
- Calories120 kcal
- Protein1 g
- Carbohydrates18 g
- Fat5 g
- Fiber0.5 g
- Sugar9 g
FAQ
Q1. Can I use honey instead of molasses?
Yes, but the flavor will be lighter and less rich. Molasses gives authentic depth to gingerbread cookies.
Q2. How can I make them crispier?
Simply roll the dough thinner and bake for an extra minute or two.
Q3. What icing works best for decorating?
Royal icing or a simple sugar glaze both work beautifully and harden nicely.
Final Thoughts
This gingerbread cookie recipe is a timeless holiday classic that brings families together. With its warm spices, cozy aroma, and delightful flavor, it’s more than just a cookie it’s a symbol of joy and celebration. Whether you bake them every December or just once a year, these cookies will always hold a special place at your table.
Ready to make your kitchen smell like Christmas? Try this gingerbread cookie recipe today and share your creations with us! Tag your cookies on Instagram with #TasteSpur we’d love to see your festive designs.
For more comforting holiday recipes, check out our Easy Panettone Cake Recipe and Crispy Prosciutto Sliders for your next party spread.
Pingback: Easy Royal Icing Recipe
Pingback: The Best Sugar Cookies Recipe