Gingerbread Cookies Recipe: Easy Holiday Treats for the Whole Family
I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.
Gingerbread cookies are a beloved holiday treat that fill your home with warm, spicy aromas. These festive treats are fun to make and even more fun to decorate. You can easily bake soft and chewy gingerbread cookies using common ingredients like molasses, butter, sugar, and spices.
Making gingerbread cookies is a great activity to share with family and friends. You can roll out the dough, cut it into fun shapes, and let your creativity shine with colorful icing and decorations. Whether you’re baking for a party, cookie exchange, or just to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and holiday cheer.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
Here’s what you’ll need to make tasty gingerbread cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
Don’t have all the ingredients? No worries! Try these substitutes:
- Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a less refined sweetener.
For the spices, you can adjust to your taste. Love ginger? Add an extra teaspoon. Not a fan of cloves? Leave them out.
Can’t find molasses? Try using dark corn syrup or maple syrup instead. The flavor will be a bit different, but still yummy.
Remember, baking is part science, part art. Feel free to experiment and make these cookies your own!
Instructions
Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need flour, baking soda, spices, butter, sugar, molasses, and an egg.
In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and other spices.
In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and molasses, mixing well.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is combined.
Shape the dough into a ball and chill it for at least an hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
Cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate with icing if you like.
Enjoy your homemade gingerbread cookies!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Want to make the best gingerbread cookies? Here are some handy tips to help you out!
Chill your dough for at least 4 hours before rolling it out. This makes it easier to work with and helps the cookies keep their shape.
When rolling out the dough, use a lightly floured surface. You can also mix in some powdered sugar with the flour for extra sweetness.
Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness for the perfect cookie texture.
To store your cookies, make sure they’re completely cool first. Put them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper.
Keep your gingerbread cookies at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week this way.
Want to keep them longer? You can freeze them! Place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer bag. If you need to stack them, use wax paper between layers.
Don’t forget to label your freezer bag with the date. Frozen gingerbread cookies can last for up to 3 months.
By following these tips, you’ll have delicious gingerbread cookies to enjoy throughout the holiday season!