Description
Gingerbread Cookies are warmly spiced, festive treats made with molasses and holiday spices. Perfect for cutting into shapes and decorating, they bring cozy cheer to any winter celebration.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: royal icing, colored glaze, or melted chocolate for decorating
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In another large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg, molasses, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until dough forms.
- Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut into shapes and place on lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
- Cool completely before decorating as desired.
Notes
- Dip cookies in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Increase ginger or add black pepper for a spicier kick.
- Add orange zest or juice for a citrusy variation.
- For soft cookies, underbake slightly and store with a slice of bread.
- Roll thinner and bake longer for sturdy gingerbread house pieces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
