Oh, the joy of gingerbread cookies during the holidays! There’s something magical about the warm, spicy aroma filling your kitchen as these little treasures bake. My gingerbread recipe is a classic that brings back memories of cozy family gatherings, laughter, and the sweet anticipation of decorating those delightful shapes. Unlike many recipes, this one has just the right balance of spices and sweetness, making each bite a festive delight. I love how versatile gingerbread can be—whether you’re rolling out dough for men, houses, or just delicious cookies to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, it truly captures the spirit of the season. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a cherished tradition in your home!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to gingerbread bliss! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookies, giving them that perfect structure.
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger: This spice adds that signature warmth and zing!
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: For a cozy, sweet aroma that makes your kitchen feel like a holiday haven.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way in adding depth to the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This will help your cookies rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweetness!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy creaming.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: This gives your cookies that lovely molasses flavor.
- 1/2 cup molasses: The star of the show for that rich, dark sweetness.
- 1 large egg: This helps bind everything together.
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Let’s dive into the fun part—making those delicious gingerbread cookies! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for baking perfection.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until well combined. The spices will create a heavenly aroma!
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and packed brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add the molasses and egg to the butter mixture, and mix until everything is beautifully blended.
- Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches, mixing just until combined. Don’t overdo it!
- Once the dough is ready, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. This is where the fun begins—cut out your favorite shapes!
- Place your cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them.
- Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm. The kitchen will smell incredible!
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, they’re ready for decorating!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delightful gingerbread cookies! Each cookie is estimated to contain around 150 calories, which is pretty reasonable for a sweet treat. You’ll find about 5 grams of fat per cookie, with 3 grams coming from saturated fat. They also have approximately 10 grams of sugar, which gives that wonderful sweetness. As for carbs, you’re looking at around 24 grams, along with 2 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, so enjoy them as a festive indulgence in moderation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and straightforward—perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers!
- The festive flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses will fill your home with warmth.
- Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just cozy nights in.
- Customizable shapes and decorations make it a fun activity for the whole family.
- These cookies stay fresh for days, making them great for sharing or savoring later!
Tips for Success
To make sure your gingerbread cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out; this makes it much easier to handle and helps prevent spreading. When cutting out shapes, dip your cookie cutters in flour to avoid sticking. Keep an eye on the baking time—every oven is different, so check them at the 10-minute mark. For decorating, royal icing is a fantastic choice, as it sets up nicely and allows for beautiful designs. Have fun with it, and don’t stress about perfection—it’s all about the joy of baking together!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this gingerbread recipe! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of warmth. You can also experiment with different shapes—how about hearts for Valentine’s Day or snowflakes for a winter wonderland theme? For a twist, fold in some chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a chewy surprise. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine while you bake!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your gingerbread experience, I love to serve these delightful cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced chai or rich hot cocoa. They pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert. You could also set up a festive cookie platter with colorful sprinkles and icing for decorating fun! Trust me, these little touches will make your holiday gatherings even more memorable!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your gingerbread cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge again, let them thaw at room temperature—no reheating needed. They’ll taste just as delightful as the day you baked them!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give your gingerbread cookies a nuttier flavor and a bit more texture. Just keep in mind it may alter the overall consistency slightly.
How can I make my gingerbread cookies softer?
If you prefer a softer cookie, you can reduce the baking time by a minute or two. Also, adding a tablespoon of milk to the dough can help maintain moisture.
What can I use instead of molasses?
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will be different—still delicious, though!
How do I store decorated gingerbread cookies?
Once decorated, let the icing set completely before stacking them in an airtight container. This way, your beautiful designs won’t get smudged!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to roll it out and bake!
Gingerbread Recipe: 7 Warm Spices for Holiday Bliss
- Temps Total: 42 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A classic gingerbread recipe for festive occasions.
Ingrédients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar.
- Add molasses and egg to the butter mixture.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool before decorating.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use royal icing for decorating.
- Chill the dough for easier handling.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 12 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 5g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 24g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: gingerbread recipe, holiday cookies, dessert
