Nothing says winter like a warm batch of gingerbread cookies, straight out of the oven. The aroma of spices and molasses wafting through the house, the sound of the timer ringing, and the excitement of waiting for them to cool down enough to take a bite are just a few of the things that make gingerbread cookies so special. But how long can we keep them fresh? Fear not, we’ve got you covered with this helpful guide!
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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until fluffy. Add in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 13mg
- Sodium: 98mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
10-12 minutes per batch.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Mixer (hand or stand)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
Gingerbread cookies are perfect on their own or with a glass of milk. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or frosting on top.
Variations
You can add a few different ingredients to your gingerbread cookies to switch things up:
- Chunks of crystallized ginger for extra spice.
- White chocolate chips or chunks for a sweet twist.
- Raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity touch.
- Nuts for a crunchy texture.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, here are some substitutions you can make:
- Dark brown sugar can be replaced with light brown sugar or granulated sugar.
- Molasses can be replaced with honey or maple syrup.
- Unsalted butter can be replaced with salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
Storage
Gingerbread cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature before starting the recipe.
- Don’t overmix the dough, or your cookies may turn out tough.
- Flour your surface and rolling pin well to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out for easier handling.
Notes
If you’re making gingerbread houses or other structures, you may want to use a sturdier dough recipe that will hold up better. This recipe is great for making cookies that are light and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before rolling it out and baking the cookies.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Can I use this recipe for gingerbread houses?
This recipe is best for making gingerbread cookies that are light and crispy. If you’re making gingerbread houses or other structures, you may want to use a sturdier dough recipe that will hold up better.
Now that you know how long gingerbread cookies are good for and how to keep them fresh, you can enjoy them all winter long. These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, gift giving, or just as a sweet treat for yourself. Try out this recipe and let us know what you think!