Gingerbread Cookies are a classic holiday treat that brings warmth, spice, and nostalgia to any kitchen. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, making them a festive favorite during the holiday season. Whether cut into fun shapes like gingerbread men or stars, or baked as simple round cookies, they are perfect for decorating with icing or enjoying plain with a cup of tea or coffee.
What makes this recipe special is the balance of spices, sweetness, and molasses that gives gingerbread cookies their iconic flavor. The dough is easy to work with, rolls smoothly, and maintains its shape well when baked, making it ideal for decorating. The aroma of baking gingerbread fills the kitchen with a comforting and festive fragrance that instantly evokes holiday cheer.
I love this recipe because it’s both traditional and versatile. The cookies are perfectly spiced, soft, and chewy with a slightly crisp edge. I also love that the dough is easy to roll out and cut into fun shapes, making it an activity as much as a treat. Decorating them with icing or sprinkles adds a creative touch that makes them feel extra special.
This is a must-try dish because it is a quintessential holiday favorite that everyone loves. The combination of warm spices, molasses sweetness, and tender texture makes these cookies irresistible. They are perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or family baking traditions. Gingerbread cookies are timeless, festive, and bring a cozy, nostalgic feeling with every bite.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 10 to 12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: Approximately 120 calories per cookie
Course: Dessert / Snack
Cuisine: American / Holiday
All-purpose flour
Ground ginger
Ground cinnamon
Ground cloves
Ground nutmeg
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Brown sugar
Egg
Molasses
Vanilla extract
Optional for Decoration:
Royal icing
Sprinkles
Prepare the dough with butter, sugar, molasses, and spices, chill it, roll it out, cut into shapes, and bake until set. Decorate once cooled.
Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
Step 5: Divide dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 6: Preheat oven to 175°C and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 7: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Step 8: Cut dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place on prepared baking sheets.
Step 9: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are firm and lightly browned.
Step 10: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 11: Optional: Decorate with royal icing and sprinkles once cooled.
Serve Gingerbread Cookies at room temperature as a holiday treat or dessert. They are perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. Decorated cookies make beautiful gifts or festive table displays.
Tip: Chill the dough before rolling to make it easier to handle and maintain shape.
Tip: Use light or dark molasses depending on the desired depth of flavor.
Tip: Avoid overbaking to maintain soft and chewy centers.
Tip: Roll dough evenly to ensure consistent baking and prevent uneven cookies.
Soft Gingerbread Cookies: Slightly reduce baking time for a softer texture.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for extra warmth.
Mini Gingerbread Cookies: Cut into smaller shapes for bite-sized treats.
Chocolate Gingerbread: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate twist.
Decorated Gingerbread Men: Use icing, candies, or chocolate chips to personalize.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen with an extra 1–2 minutes of cooking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Wire cooling rack
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Gingerbread Cookies are a festive, flavorful, and classic holiday treat. With their warm spices, chewy texture, and decorative potential, they are perfect for family baking, gifting, or holiday celebrations. Easy to make, versatile, and endlessly customizable, this recipe brings both flavor and holiday cheer to your kitchen.
Gingerbread Cookies are a classic holiday treat that brings warmth, spice, and nostalgia to any kitchen.
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