Oh, the joy of baking during the holidays! There’s something magical about filling your home with the warm, spicy aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies. Trust me, it’s like a hug from the inside out! I remember every December my family would gather in the kitchen, flour dusting our noses and laughter bubbling over as we rolled out the dough. We’d cut out all sorts of shapes—gingerbread men, stars, and even a few questionable ones that looked more like blobs than cookies. The best part? Decorating them with colorful icing and candy, turning our creations into little masterpieces. The unique spiced flavor of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses is just unbeatable, and these cookies always bring back those cherished memories. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delightful holiday tradition together!
Ingredients List
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Gingerbread Cookies
Let’s get those gingerbread cookies rolling! It’s a simple process, and I promise you’ll have a blast. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and warm by the time we’re ready to bake. While that’s heating up, grab a large bowl and mix together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. It’s super important to mix these dry ingredients well so the flavors blend perfectly.
In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this is where the magic starts! Then, add in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet one, mixing until everything is just combined. Don’t overdo it; we want soft, tender cookies!
Once your dough is ready, roll it into small balls—about the size of a tablespoon—and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each ball, as they’ll spread a little while baking. Pop them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers are slightly soft. Let them cool on a wire rack, and there you have it—your delicious gingerbread cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Roll the dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm.
- Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Deliciously spiced with ginger and cinnamon for that cozy, festive flavor.
- Great for decorating with icing and candies, making it a fun activity for the whole family.
- Perfectly soft and chewy, these cookies are an absolute crowd-pleaser.
- They make your kitchen smell heavenly, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Ideal for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season!
Tips for Success
To make sure your gingerbread cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t skip the chilling step—if your dough feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape as they bake. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a little different, so start checking for doneness around the 8-minute mark. You want those edges firm but the centers soft for that perfect chewy texture. And remember, if the cookies puff up, they’ll settle as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a bit round out of the oven. Happy baking!
Variations of Gingerbread Cookies
If you’re in the mood to mix things up, there are so many fun ways to play with this gingerbread cookie recipe! For a twist, try adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of warmth. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some chocolate chips or chunks for a delightful contrast to the spices. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version. And don’t forget about the frosting! Experiment with royal icing, or even a simple glaze, for decorating your cookies in style. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your gingerbread cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long! If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature, and they’ll be just as tasty as the day you baked them. No reheating necessary—just dive right in!
Nutritional Information
Let’s take a quick look at the nutritional values for these delightful gingerbread cookies! Each cookie is estimated to have around 150 calories, making them a sweet treat that won’t break the bank. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 0g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used. But one thing’s for sure—these cookies are all about that cozy, spiced goodness without too much guilt! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the gingerbread cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling it out.
How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long with all the holiday munching going on!
What’s the best way to decorate my gingerbread cookies?
I love using royal icing for decorating! It dries hard, making it perfect for intricate designs. Just mix powdered sugar, egg whites, and a splash of lemon juice until it’s smooth. You can also use simple icing or melted chocolate for a quick and easy finish—get creative!
Can I use different spices in my gingerbread cookies?
Definitely! While ginger and cinnamon are traditional, you can play around with spices like nutmeg, cloves, or even cardamom to give your cookies a unique twist. Just remember to adjust the amounts to keep the flavor balanced!
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your gingerbread cookies are spreading too much, it might be because the dough is too warm or you didn’t chill it long enough. Make sure to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, and keep your baking sheets cool. This will help them hold their shape!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear from you! If you try making these gingerbread cookies, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Did you get creative with any decorations or flavors? Rate the recipe too, as it helps others find this delightful treat! Baking is all about sharing joy, so feel free to share your own experiences and tips for a perfect batch. Let’s spread the holiday cheer together, one cookie at a time!
Imprimer
Gingerbread Cookies That Evoke Warm Holiday Memories
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Gingerbread cookies are spiced cookies made with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. They are a classic holiday treat.
Ingrédients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are firm.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Use a cookie cutter for different shapes.
- Decorate with icing if desired.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: gingerbread cookies, holiday cookies, spiced cookies
