It’s that time of year again when the smell of gingerbread fills the air and the holiday spirit is in full swing. The best way to celebrate the season is with a batch of homemade gingerbread butter cookies. These delicious treats are perfect for sharing with friends and family or for enjoying yourself with a warm cup of cocoa. In this article, we’ll share our favorite recipe for gingerbread butter cookies, as well as tips, tricks, and variations to make this recipe your own.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and molasses, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each ball.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of gingerbread butter cookies (1 cookie) contains approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Total fat: 6g
- Saturated fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes, including preparation and baking time.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread butter cookies are delicious on their own or served alongside a cup of hot cocoa or tea. They also make a great dessert for holiday parties or potlucks.
Variations
If you’re looking to switch up this recipe, try adding different spices like cloves or cardamom for a unique flavor. You can also add in chopped nuts or dried fruit for some extra texture and flavor. Another fun variation is to use cookie cutters to create gingerbread shapes instead of rolling the dough into balls.
Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup. You can also use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor.
Storage
Store your gingerbread butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened before mixing to ensure a smooth and even dough.
- Don’t overmix your dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent them from breaking.
Notes
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to omit the salt from the recipe.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let the dough come to room temperature before baking.
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread butter cookies are a holiday classic, and this recipe is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. With a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, these cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or to share with loved ones. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the recipe and try out different variations to make it your own. Happy baking!