As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh gingerbread cookies baking in the oven. These sweet and spicy treats are a beloved part of many families’ holiday traditions, and for good reason. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones. If you’re looking to order gingerbread cookies this year, we’ve got you covered with a recipe that’s sure to impress.
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
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until well combined.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat with remaining dough.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Fat: 3.5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 80mg
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa for dipping.
- Top with frosting or icing for a festive touch.
- Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles for added decoration.
- Package in a decorative tin or box for a homemade gift.
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few variations to try:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture.
- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the molasses for a different flavor.
- Use different cookie cutters to make different shapes.
- Top with melted chocolate or caramel for a decadent treat.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand, here are a few substitutions that may work:
- Use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar.
- Substitute margarine for the butter.
- Use corn syrup or agave nectar instead of molasses.
- Replace ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with pumpkin pie spice.
Storage
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
- Chilling the dough before rolling it out will make it easier to work with and will prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Don’t overbake the cookies or they will become too hard and crispy.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating them.
- Be creative with your decorating! Use different colors of frosting, sprinkles, or candies to make each cookie unique.
Notes
This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes, you can wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Q: Can I use this recipe to make gingerbread houses?
A: Yes, this recipe can be used to make gingerbread houses. Just be sure to roll the dough a bit thicker and bake the pieces for a few extra minutes.
Final Thoughts
Ordering gingerbread cookies can be a great way to save time during the busy holiday season, but making them from scratch is a fun and rewarding activity that the whole family can enjoy. This recipe is easy to follow and produces delicious, festive cookies that are perfect for sharing with loved ones. So why not give it a try this year and see how much fun it can be?