Description
Homemade gingerbread cookies bring festive cheer with classic holiday spices. Warm molasses and rich cinnamon create delightful memories that will keep friends and family returning for more.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (6 grams) ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon (6 grams) ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 grams) ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 grams) nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) brown sugar
- 2/3 cup (213 grams) molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, blending flour, baking soda, salt, and warm spices until evenly distributed.
- In a separate large bowl, whip butter and brown sugar until light and airy, creating a smooth creamy texture.
- Incorporate molasses, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until completely integrated.
- Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms.
- Refrigerate dough for minimum 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm.
- Heat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll chilled dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness on lightly floured surface.
- Use festive cookie cutters to shape dough, transferring delicate shapes onto prepared baking sheets.
- Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, watching for slightly crisp edges and soft centers.
- Remove from oven and let cookies rest on baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.
- Once completely cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or preferred embellishments.
Notes
- Ensure spices are fresh and fragrant for the most robust gingerbread flavor, which elevates the entire cookie experience.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading and maintaining crisp cookie edges during baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even browning of cookies.
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurement proportions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 112 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg