Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 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
- zest of one small orange
optional
- optional toppings: simple icing
red hots, sprinkles, etc., see below
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, cloves, salt and nutmeg. Set aside.
- 2
In an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or alternately, you can use a hand mixer and a separate large mixing bowl), beat the butter and sugar together for 2 minutes on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add in egg, molasses and vanilla, and beat on medium speed until combined. Reduce mixer speed to low, and gradually add the flour mixture until just combined.
- 3
Divide the dough into two equal portions, and form them each into a ball. Then gently use your hands to flatten each ball into a 1-inch thick disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour or so, or until the dough is chilled yet still somewhat pliable. (Or you can refrigerate the dough for a longer period of time, and then later let soften on the countertop for 15-20 minutes before rolling it out.)
- 4
Once you are ready to bake the cookies, heat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- 5
Unwrap the dough and place it on a large, lightly-floured hard surface. Use a floured rolling pin to roll the dough evenly until it is approximately 1/8-inch thick. Then use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, re-rolling the dough as needed to cut out more. Transfer to parchment-covered baking sheets.
- 6
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are crisp around the edges and on top. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- 7
Once the cookies are room temperature, feel free to decorate them as desired with the icing (see below) plus any extra sprinkles or candies. Serve and enjoy immediately, or store in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
- 8
Whisk all ingredients together in a mixing bowl until smooth. If your icing is too thin, add in a little more powdered sugar. If your icing is too thick, add in a tiny bit of milk.
- 9
Use a piping bag, or a ziplock bag (with the corner snipped off), or a plastic squeeze bottle to pipe the icing onto the cookies.
Gingerbread Cookies
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About this Recipe
Ready to fill your home with the inviting aroma of freshly baked gingerbread? This classic cut-out gingerbread cookie recipe is designed for easy baking and beautiful decorating, promising a truly delicious treat every time.
What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance of warm, traditional spices combined with a dough that’s a dream to work with. It’s a foolproof approach to creating those beloved festive cookies that are firm enough to hold their intricate shapes, yet tender to bite.
You can anticipate a cookie that’s wonderfully aromatic, bursting with the comforting essence of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The rich molasses and packed brown sugar create a deep, comforting sweetness, while a hint of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors. These cookies offer that quintessential gingerbread texture—a slight crispness at the edges and a delightfully tender center, making them ideal for both detailed decorating and savoring plain.
Customization & Serving
Feel free to personalize your gingerbread cookies! The recipe includes an optional addition of orange zest which adds a bright, unexpected citrus note that beautifully complements the warm spices. Once baked, the fun truly begins with decorating. A simple icing, crafted from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, provides a perfect canvas for creative designs, or you can opt for classic red hots and colorful sprinkles.
These classic gingerbread cookies are perfect for holiday platters, cookie exchanges, or simply a cozy evening treat with a cup of tea or coffee. They bring a touch of heartwarming tradition to any gathering.