The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious homemade gingerbread cookies? Whether you’re baking for a festive party, a cozy night in, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Wow Gingerbread Cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters, and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your Wow Gingerbread Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa!
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Total sugars: 8g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions:
These Wow Gingerbread Cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holidays! Serve them alongside other festive treats like hot cocoa, eggnog, or spiced cider.
Variations:
For a fun twist on the classic gingerbread flavor, try adding some chopped crystallized ginger to the dough. You could also experiment with different cookie cutter shapes and decorating techniques to make your cookies even more festive.
Substitutions:
If you’re out of molasses, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor. You could also use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar for a deeper, richer taste.
Storage:
Store your Wow Gingerbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the cookies for up to three months.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature before starting the recipe, so it will cream more easily with the sugar.
- Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
- If your cookies start to spread too much during baking, try chilling the dough for a few more minutes before rolling it out.
Notes:
This recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters. You can easily double or halve the recipe depending on your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make the dough ahead of time and freeze it?
- Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- We recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute if needed.
- Can I use a different type of flour?
- All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you could try using a gluten-free flour blend if you need to make the cookies gluten-free.
Final Thoughts:
These Wow Gingerbread Cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. They’re easy to make, delicious to eat, and sure to impress your loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a must-try. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to spice up your holidays with these amazing cookies!