Get your party on with this delicious and fun gingerbread party theme! Gingerbread is a quintessential flavor of the holiday season, and what better way to celebrate than with a party filled with gingerbread-inspired treats and decorations. Whether you’re throwing a kids’ holiday party, hosting a gingerbread house-making competition, or simply looking to add some spice to your holiday celebrations, this gingerbread party theme is sure to delight.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in flour mixture until dough forms.
- Divide dough into two equal parts and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Chill dough for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 25mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 9g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread cookies can be served on their own, or you can get creative and use them as a base for other holiday treats like gingerbread houses, gingerbread men, and more. Serve with hot cocoa or eggnog for a festive touch.
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up, try adding some chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to the dough before chilling. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes of cookie cutters to create a variety of gingerbread treats.
Substitutions
- Substitute coconut oil for butter for a dairy-free option.
- Substitute honey for molasses for a lighter flavor.
- Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
Storage
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Chilling the dough helps it to roll out more easily and hold its shape while baking.
- Be sure to leave enough space between cookies on the baking sheet to prevent them from touching while baking.
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or ginger on top of the cookies before baking.
Notes
For a more traditional gingerbread flavor, try using blackstrap molasses instead of regular molasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?
- Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.
- Can I freeze the dough?
- Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- Can I use this recipe to make a gingerbread house?
- Yes, this recipe can be used to make gingerbread houses or other gingerbread treats.
Personal Thoughts
I absolutely love this gingerbread party theme! It’s such a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season, and the gingerbread cookies are a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy. I love how easy this recipe is to make, and how versatile it is – you can really get creative with different shapes and decorations. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a fun activity to do with the kids, this gingerbread party theme is sure to be a hit!
Overall, this gingerbread party theme is a great way to spice up your holiday celebrations and spread some festive cheer. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how much fun it can be?