Description
Discover the ultimate Classic Gingerbread Cookies Recipe – a traditional holiday treat combining warm spices and delightful sweetness. Perfect for festive baking and creating cherished memories with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (113g), softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses (120ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- **For the Royal Icing (Optional)**:
- 2 cups powdered sugar (240g), sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- **Whisk Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- **Cream Wet Ingredients**: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- **Add Egg and Molasses**: Beat in the egg, then stir in molasses and vanilla extract until well combined.
- **Combine Wet and Dry**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed until just combined. Dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- **Chill the Dough**: Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
- **Preheat Oven and Prep Pans**: Once dough is chilled, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- **Roll and Cut Cookies**: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes and transfer to baking sheets.
- **Bake**: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- **Cool**: Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- **Prepare Royal Icing (Optional)**: Whisk powdered sugar, milk/water, and vanilla until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag.
- **Decorate**: Decorate cooled cookies as desired. Let icing set completely before storing.
Notes
Chilling the dough is crucial for easy rolling and to prevent spreading. Do not overbake cookies; they will continue to firm up as they cool. Ensure cookies are completely cool before decorating with icing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 90-110 (estimate)
- Sugar: 9-12g (estimate)
- Sodium: 60-80mg (estimate)
- Fat: 3-5g (estimate)
- Saturated Fat: 2-3g (estimate)
- Unsaturated Fat: 1-2g (estimate)
- Trans Fat: 0g (estimate)
- Carbohydrates: 15-18g (estimate)
- Fiber: 0.5-1g (estimate)
- Protein: 1-2g (estimate)
- Cholesterol: 10-15mg (estimate)