Nothing says the holidays quite like the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. These spiced gingerbread cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy during the festive season. Not only are they delicious, but they are also easy to make and can be decorated in a variety of fun ways. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the molasses and eggs, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or any other toppings of your choice.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of spiced gingerbread cookies (1 cookie) contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 32mg
- Sodium: 68mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for these spiced gingerbread cookies is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including 1 hour of chilling time.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Icing and toppings (optional)
Serving Suggestions
These spiced gingerbread cookies are perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or as a fun activity to do with kids. Serve them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for the ultimate festive treat.
Variations
Get creative with these spiced gingerbread cookies by trying out some of these variations:
- Substitute the molasses for honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Add in some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture.
- Use different cookie cutters to make different shapes and sizes.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand, try out these substitutions:
- Use regular sugar instead of brown sugar.
- Substitute corn syrup or golden syrup for the molasses.
- Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Storage
Store these spiced gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened before mixing it with the brown sugar to ensure a smooth and creamy dough.
- Chilling the dough before rolling it out will make it easier to work with and prevent it from spreading too much during baking.
- Don’t overbake the cookies or they will become too dry and hard.
- Have fun with the decorating and get creative with different icing colors and toppings.
Notes
This recipe makes approximately 24-36 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 1 day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to roll out and bake.
Do I need to use all of the spices listed in the recipe?
No, you can adjust the amount of spices to your liking or omit any that you don’t have on hand.
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag.
These spiced gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that are sure to bring joy and cheer to any gathering. With their warm and cozy flavors, they are the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of cocoa or tea. So why not try making a batch for yourself and see just how delicious they can be?