why make this recipe
Gingerbread cookies are a timeless holiday treat that brings warmth to our hearts and homes. These Perfectly Spiced Gingerbread Cookies are easy to make and filled with the delightful flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. With each bite, you can enjoy a taste of the holidays and share the joy with family and friends. Plus, decorating them is a fun activity the whole family can join in on!
how to make Perfectly Spiced Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- ¾ cup salted butter (softened)
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
Begin by whisking together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Mix them well so the spices are evenly spread; this step gives your cookies that warm, cozy aroma that makes your kitchen instantly festive. Beat the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and molasses in a large bowl until the mixture turns light and creamy. The scent will fill your kitchen with that classic holiday vibe. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing just until everything comes together. Don’t forget to scrape the sides of the bowl a couple of times so nothing gets left behind; it keeps the dough smooth and consistent.
Gently blend the dry mixture into the wet, stopping as soon as everything is combined. Form the dough into two discs, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let them chill for several hours. Chilling not only makes rolling easier but also gives the flavors a chance to develop. When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the dough rest for a few minutes so it’s easier to handle. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out one disc to roughly ¼-inch thick. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters — gingerbread men, stars, or anything that sparks joy. If the dough sticks to your rolling pin, lightly dust a little flour underneath to keep it moving. Reroll scraps for more cookies; nothing goes to waste!
Place your cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for about 10 minutes. You want soft centers with slightly firmer edges, so keep an eye on them. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack; this helps them firm up without breaking.
While the cookies are cooling, whip up the frosting by beating butter, powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Add the milk slowly to get the perfect consistency: spreadable but not too runny. If it feels stiff, just a tiny extra splash of milk does the trick. Finally, decorate! Spread the frosting, sprinkle on your festive toppings, or get creative with patterns. There’s no right or wrong here; just have fun and make them yours.
how to serve Perfectly Spiced Gingerbread Cookies
Serve your gingerbread cookies with a warm drink, like hot chocolate or apple cider, for the perfect holiday treat. You can also place them on a festive plate as a lovely holiday gift or dessert for parties. Enjoy them fresh with family or friends and make lasting memories together!
how to store Perfectly Spiced Gingerbread Cookies
Store your gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing the cookies without frosting, and they can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, take them out to thaw, then add frosting when serving.
tips to make Perfectly Spiced Gingerbread Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for a smooth dough.
- Chill the dough for at least 2 hours to make rolling easier and enhance the flavors.
- If you’re using intricate cookie cutters, use flour on the edges to help cut clean shapes.
- For extra fun, try adding candy decorations or edible glitter to your frosting!
variation
You can add other spices like cloves or allspice for a different flavor profile. Try incorporating chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a sweet twist. You may also use gluten-free flour if you want a gluten-free version of these cookies.
FAQs
1. Can I use honey instead of molasses?
Yes, you can substitute honey for molasses, but it will change the flavor and texture slightly. The cookies may be a bit sweeter and lighter in color.
2. How can I make these cookies more festive?
You can add colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or small candies to the frosting for a festive touch. You could also create unique shapes and designs!
3. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough before rolling it out. Just wrap the discs tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.
Perfectly Spiced Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- ¾ cup salted butter (softened)
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
For the frosting
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk Adjust for desired frosting consistency.
- Pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and molasses until light and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined. Scrape the bowl to ensure a smooth dough.
- Gently blend the dry mixture into the wet, stopping as soon as everything is combined.
- Form the dough into two discs, wrap tightly, and chill for several hours.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out one disc to roughly ¼-inch thick and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for about 10 minutes.
- Let cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Frosting
- Prepare the frosting by beating together butter, powdered sugar, milk, and salt until smooth.
- Add milk gradually to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Decorate cookies with frosting and festive toppings.
