The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious gingerbread cookies? If you’re looking for a recipe that’s sure to impress, look no further than Alton Brown’s gingerbread cookies.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the recipe step-by-step and provide you with all the information you need to make these cookies a success. From ingredient lists to serving suggestions, we’ve got you covered.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well blended.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and egg on medium speed until well blended.
- Add molasses and vanilla and continue to mix until well blended.
- Gradually stir in dry ingredients until blended and smooth.
- Divide dough in half and wrap each half in plastic and let stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Grease or line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Place 1 portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Sprinkle flour over dough and rolling pin.
- Roll dough to a scant 1/4-inch thick.
- Use additional flour to avoid sticking.
- Cut out cookies with desired cutter.
- Space cookies 1 1/2-inches apart.
- Bake 1 sheet at a time for 7-10 minutes (the lower time will give you softer cookies).
- Remove cookie sheet from oven and allow the cookies to stand until the cookies are firm enough to move to a wire rack.
- Repeat with remaining dough.
- Decorate with royal icing.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 cookie (39g)
Calories: 130
Total Fat: 3.5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 70mg
Total Carbohydrates: 23g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 11g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Equipment
- Bowls
- Mixer
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie Cutters
- Baking Sheets
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread cookies are perfect for any holiday party or gathering. Serve them with hot cocoa or apple cider for a cozy treat. You can also package them up and give them as gifts to friends and family.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Try adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor. You could also try using different cookie cutters to make fun shapes and designs.
Substitutions
- For a vegan version, you can substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
- If you don’t have molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup instead.
- If you don’t have dark brown sugar, you can use light brown sugar or granulated sugar instead.
- If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but make sure to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
Storage
Store these 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 to let the dough rest for at least 2 hours before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle and help the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- Use plenty of flour when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking.
- If the dough is too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling it out.
- Don’t overbake the cookies. They should be firm but still slightly soft to the touch.
Notes
This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 8 hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
No, you can use any kind of icing or frosting you like. Just make sure it’s not too runny or it will slide off the cookies.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag.
Alton Brown’s gingerbread cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves the warm spices of the holiday season. They’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. So why not give them a try this year?