Are you ready to indulge in some delicious gingerbread cookies this festive season? Not only are they a classic Christmas treat, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make. With the perfect balance of spices and sweetness, gingerbread cookies are a crowd-pleaser that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, nutritional information, and cooking time for gingerbread cookies. So, put on your apron, grab your rolling pin, and let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate as desired and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
Gingerbread cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. They also make a great addition to any cookie exchange or holiday party. For a fun twist, try making gingerbread cookie sandwiches with cream cheese frosting in the middle.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, try adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cookie dough. You could also try using different cookie cutters to create unique shapes and designs.
Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup. You could also use a gluten-free flour blend if you need to make these cookies gluten-free.
Storage
Store gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle and will prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Don’t overbake the cookies. They should be lightly browned around the edges but still soft in the middle.
- Get creative with your decorating! Use icing, sprinkles, or candy to make your gingerbread cookies truly unique.
Notes
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roll it out and cut the cookies.
No, you can also roll the dough into balls and flatten them with a fork for a more rustic look.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can wrap the dough in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling it out and cutting the cookies.
Personal Thoughts
Gingerbread cookies are one of my favorite holiday treats, and this recipe never disappoints. The cookies are perfectly spiced and have just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, they’re fun to decorate and make a great gift for friends and family. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share the joy of gingerbread cookies with your loved ones this holiday season.