Introduction
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with some delicious gingerbread cookies? Look no further than the Food Network gingerbread cookie recipe, which is sure to fill your home with the sweet aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this recipe and provide you with all the details you need to make these scrumptious treats.
Ingredients
To make the Food Network gingerbread cookie recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, salt, and black pepper. 2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. 3. Beat in the egg, then the molasses and vanilla. 4. Beat in the flour mixture, a little at a time, until the dough comes together. 5. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. 6. Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. 7. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 8. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. 9. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out one of the disks of dough to 1/4-inch thickness. 10. Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets. 11. Gather up the scraps and reroll the dough to make more cookies. 12. Repeat with the remaining disk of dough. 13. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly golden. 14. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of the Food Network gingerbread cookie recipe (1 cookie) contains approximately:
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
- Sodium: 59mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for the Food Network gingerbread cookie recipe is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including refrigeration time.
Equipment
To make these cookies, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire racks
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties, or for giving as gifts to friends and family. They also make a great accompaniment to a hot cup of cocoa or eggnog.
Variations
If you want to mix things up a bit, try adding some chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries to the cookie dough. You could also try using different cookie cutters to create fun and festive shapes.
Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup. You could also use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar.
Storage
These gingerbread cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips
To make rolling out the cookie dough easier, try using a silicone mat instead of a floured surface. You can also add a little flour to the dough if it’s too sticky.
Notes
Be sure to refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 2 hours before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle and will also help the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I use this recipe for gingerbread houses?
Yes, this recipe works well for making gingerbread houses. Just be sure to roll the dough out a little thicker than you would for cookies.
Personal Thoughts
The Food Network gingerbread cookie recipe is one of my all-time favorites. The cookies come out perfectly spiced and have a nice soft texture. They’re also easy to make and are great for decorating. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try this holiday season!