Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Make the holiday season delightful with this Gingerbread Cookies Recipe. These charming cookies are perfect for gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home. Their rich flavors and festive spices make them a standout treat, sure to please everyone. Whether you’re decorating them with icing or enjoying them plain, these gingerbread cookies will be a hit at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make it simple for bakers of all levels to create these delicious cookies.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm spices like ginger and cinnamon provides a cozy and festive taste.
• Versatile Shapes: Cut the dough into fun shapes for holidays or special events; creativity knows no bounds!
• Perfect for Decorating: Let your imagination run wild with icing and sprinkles for festive designs.
• Great for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends, family, or as gifts during the holiday season.

Tools and Preparation

To make your gingerbread cookies, having the right tools is essential. Gather your equipment before starting to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheets
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes it easy to cream ingredients together quickly and efficiently, ensuring a light texture.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and allows for easy cleanup when baking your cookies.
• Cookie cutters: These fun shapes bring joy to your baking process, allowing you to create unique designs for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Make this family of gingerbread cookies for your next holiday party.

For the Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams, room temperature (2 sticks))
• ½ cup dark brown sugar (107 grams)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt (5 grams)
• ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1 large egg (50 grams, room temperature and lightly beaten)
• 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses (43 grams)
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (270 grams)
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger (9 grams)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams)
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (3 grams)
• ¾ teaspoon ground cloves

For Decorating:

• Icing and sprinkles

How to Make Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salts together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Egg and Molasses

Add the egg and molasses. Mix at medium speed until well combined, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, apple pie spice, ginger, and cloves.

Step 4: Mix Dry with Wet Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until all flour has been incorporated. Avoid overmixing; this can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Scrape Down Bowl

Use a rubber spatula to scrape around the sides and bottom of the bowl. Ensure all flour is mixed in properly.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Divide the dough in half. Place one half on parchment paper. Roll it out to ⅜-inch thick. Transfer it with parchment paper onto a large sheet pan.

Step 7: Repeat with Second Half

Repeat rolling out the second half of dough. Layer it on top of the first half on the sheet pan using parchment paper.

Step 8: Chill Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 9: Preheat Oven

Once chilled, remove dough from refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 10: Cut Shapes

Cut dough into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place shapes onto prepared baking sheets.

Step 11: Bake Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges begin to darken slightly.

Step 12: Cool Down

Remove cookies from oven. Let cool on baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before decorating.

Step 13: Decorate and Enjoy

Decorate as desired with icing and sprinkles. Serve these delicious gingerbread cookies at your gathering or enjoy them at home!

How to Serve Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Gingerbread cookies are perfect for festive gatherings and can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, these cookies can be served to please everyone.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee or Tea: Pair your gingerbread cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy the cookies alongside rich hot chocolate for an indulgent experience.

As Decorated Gifts

• Gift Boxes: Package beautifully decorated gingerbread cookies in festive boxes to share with friends and family.
• Cookie Platters: Arrange assorted gingerbread shapes on a platter for an eye-catching dessert display.

At Holiday Parties

• Cookie Bar: Set up a cookie bar where guests can decorate their own gingerbread cookies using icing and sprinkles.
• Dessert Table: Include gingerbread cookies as part of a larger dessert table featuring various holiday treats.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Achieving the perfect gingerbread cookie requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least two hours to enhance flavor and prevent spreading while baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep cookies soft and chewy instead of tough.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
• Cool Completely Before Decorating: Allow cookies to cool fully before adding icing or decorations for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Gingerbread cookies pair wonderfully with several side dishes that complement their sweet and spicy flavors. Here are some delicious options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Serve with mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory contrast to the sweet flavors.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that pairs well with gingerbread.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer an excellent crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cookies.
5. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over gingerbread cookies or serve it as a dip for added richness.
6. Ice Cream Sundae: Top vanilla ice cream with crumbled gingerbread cookies for an indulgent dessert option.
7. Hot Apple Cider: Serve warm apple cider infused with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the holiday feel.
8. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melted chocolate makes for a decadent dip that elevates your gingerbread cookie experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Gingerbread Cookies, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial for the right texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups correctly for consistent results.
• Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended time. Remove them when they are just set and lightly golden.
• Neglecting to cool before decorating: Decorating warm cookies can lead to melted icing. Always let cookies cool completely on a rack before adding icing and sprinkles.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store gingerbread cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
• To maintain freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies.

Freezing Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covered, for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this Gingerbread Cookies Recipe.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option while still maintaining good texture.

How can I make my gingerbread cookies softer?

To achieve softer gingerbread cookies, ensure not to overbake them and consider adding an extra tablespoon of molasses for added moisture.

What decorations work best for Gingerbread Cookies?

Royal icing, colored sugar sprinkles, and edible glitter make excellent decorations, allowing you to get creative with designs!

Can I add different spices to my Gingerbread Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices such as nutmeg or cardamom for additional flavor depth.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is not only festive but also versatile. You can customize it with various spices or decorations based on your preferences. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying them with family, these cookies are sure to delight everyone who tries them!