Do you love the warm, spicy flavor of gingerbread? If so, you’re in luck! Today, we’re sharing our favorite recipe for chewy gingerbread cookies. These sweet treats are perfect for the holiday season, but they’re so delicious that you’ll want to enjoy them all year round. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup white sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well blended.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the remaining sugar. Place the balls 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges are lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 94
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
- Sodium: 22mg
- Potassium: 57mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin A: 157%
- Calcium: 14%
- Iron: 1%
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including refrigeration time)
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bowls (medium and large)
- Mixer (handheld or stand)
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
- Cookie sheets
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
These chewy gingerbread cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea. They also make a great addition to any holiday cookie platter.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try adding a few extra ingredients to this recipe to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped crystallized ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
- Swap out the molasses for honey or maple syrup for a different taste.
- Dip the cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Substitutions
If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! Here are a few substitutions you can make:
- Use dark brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Swap out the unsalted butter for salted butter and omit the salt from the recipe.
- If you don’t have ground cloves, you can use allspice instead.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar.
- Chill the dough for at least 2 hours to make it easier to handle.
- Don’t overbake the cookies – they should be lightly browned on the edges but still soft in the middle.
- If you’re having trouble rolling the dough into balls, try wetting your hands slightly with water.
Notes
This recipe makes about 36 cookies, depending on the size of your dough balls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
We recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture, but you can use margarine if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of flour?
We recommend using all-purpose flour for this recipe, but you can try using a different type of flour if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it might change the texture of the cookies.
We hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these delicious chewy gingerbread cookies. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion, and they’re sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and variations – that’s what baking is all about! So, grab a glass of milk and a cookie (or two) and savor the warm, spicy goodness. Happy baking!