Description
Gingerbread Cookies are the quintessential festive treat, enveloping you in warmth and cheer with each bite. This easy-to-follow recipe combines aromatic spices like ginger and cinnamon, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and inviting. Perfect for decorating, these cookies can be shaped into fun designs, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy family nights at home. Whether you’re gifting them or indulging yourself, these delightful treats bring joy to any occasion. With a simple list of ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create a batch of delicious gingerbread cookies that will impress everyone.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- (optional) zest of one small orange
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients: flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until fully combined.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until firm but soft in the center. Allow cooling before decorating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg