Nothing says ‘holiday season’ quite like the warm, spicy aroma of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven. These delicious treats are a classic Christmas staple, and this recipe from Trisha Yearwood is the perfect way to bring some festive cheer to your home. So, whether you’re looking to impress your family and friends, or simply want to indulge in a sweet treat, read on to discover how to make these scrumptious gingerbread cookies.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the molasses and egg, and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out your desired cookie shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or any other desired toppings.
- Enjoy your delicious gingerbread cookies!
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 91
- Total fat: 3.5g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 14mg
- Sodium: 74mg
- Total carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary fiber: 0.3g
- Sugars: 6.5g
- Protein: 1.3g
Cooking Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8-10 minutes per batch
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes (includes 1 hour of refrigeration time)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends over the holiday season. Serve them with a mug of hot cocoa or a glass of milk for a delicious and festive treat.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, try adding some chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to the dough before rolling it out. You could also experiment with different shapes and sizes of cookie cutters for a more unique look.
Substitutions
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup. You could also swap out the ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.
Storage
Store your gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with and will help the cookies hold their shape.
- Don’t overmix the dough! This can result in tough, dry cookies.
- For softer, chewier cookies, bake them for slightly less time.
- When decorating your cookies, have fun and let your creativity shine!
Notes
This recipe makes about 30 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 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
Can I use this recipe for gingerbread houses?
Yes! This recipe works well for gingerbread houses, as it produces a sturdy, yet delicious dough that holds its shape well.
Trisha Yearwood’s gingerbread cookies are a must-try for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit. The warm, spicy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg perfectly complement the sweetness of molasses and sugar, making for a treat that’s sure to please everyone. Plus, with easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, even novice bakers can create delicious, professional-looking cookies. So, whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, give these gingerbread cookies a try. You won’t be disappointed!