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Easy Gingerbread Cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season. With their warm spices and rich molasses flavor, these cookies are as festive as they are delicious.
Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, decorating with kids, or just craving a classic holiday dessert, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Let’s get started on these soft, flavorful, and beautifully spiced cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Holiday Flavors: Packed with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses for a warm, festive taste.
- Perfect for Decorating: Great for adding icing, sprinkles, or other festive decorations.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Customizable: Roll out the dough to make gingerbread men, stars, or any shape you like.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun baking activity for the whole family to enjoy.
What to Serve with Gingerbread Cookies
- Hot Cocoa: A classic pairing that’s cozy and comforting.
- Mulled Cider: Adds a warm, spiced drink to complement the cookies.
- Milk: Perfect for dunking your cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside for a festive dessert twist.
- Coffee or Tea: A simple yet satisfying beverage pairing.
Easy Gingerbread Cookies
Soft and flavorful gingerbread cookies with a rich molasses base and warm spices. Perfect for decorating and holiday baking.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Decorations:
- Royal icing
- Sprinkles or sanding sugar
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two disks, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or sanding sugar as desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of ginger and cinnamon to suit your taste.Icing
- Tip: Use a piping bag with a small tip for detailed designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling out, and avoid overmixing the ingredients.
Can I use dark molasses?
Yes, dark molasses will add a richer flavor, but avoid blackstrap molasses as it can be too bitter.
Wrapping it up
Easy Gingerbread Cookies are a holiday classic that brings warmth and joy to any occasion.
With their soft texture, rich molasses flavor, and endless decorating possibilities, these cookies are a must-have for your holiday baking list.
Try this recipe and create sweet memories with family and friends this holiday season!
