Make this family of gingerbread cookies for your next holiday party. This Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is perfect for gatherings, bringing warmth and cheer to any occasion. With their delightful spices and fun shapes, these cookies are a festive treat that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re decorating them with kids or serving them at holiday events, they are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices offers a warm and inviting taste that captures the essence of the holidays.
- Fun for Everyone: Decorating gingerbread cookies can be a fun activity for families or parties.
- Versatile Shapes: You can cut the dough into various shapes, making them suitable for any celebration.
- Perfect for Giving: These cookies make excellent gifts when packaged beautifully.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools on hand will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable. Here are some essential items you will need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes it easy to cream butter and sugars together, ensuring a light texture.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze when baking cookies.
- Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness in the dough for uniform baking.
- Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cookies, preventing sogginess.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams, room temperature (2 sticks))
- ½ cup dark brown sugar (107 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt (5 grams)
- ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1 large egg (50 grams, room temperature and lightly beaten)
- 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses (43 grams)
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (270 grams)
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger (9 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams)
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (3 grams)
- ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
For Decoration
- Icing and sprinkles (for decorating)
How to Make Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salts together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and molasses to the mixture. Mix at medium speed until well combined, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, apple pie spice, ginger, and cloves.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until all of the flour has been incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; this helps keep your cookies tender.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half. Place one half on a large piece of parchment paper. Roll it out to ⅜-inch thick. Transfer it with parchment paper onto a large sheet pan. Repeat with the second half of dough. Cover both layers with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 6: Preheat Oven
Once chilled, remove dough from refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 7: Cut Out Cookies
Cut the dough into your desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place them onto prepared baking sheets.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges and bottoms are just beginning to darken.
Step 9: Cool Down
Remove cookies from oven. Let cool on baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow cookies to fully cool before decorating.
Step 10: Decorate
Decorate as desired with icing and sprinkles before serving these delightful Gingerbread Cookies! Enjoy!
How to Serve Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Gingerbread cookies are not just festive; they are also versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
With Hot Beverages
- Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the spices in gingerbread perfectly.
- Hot Chocolate: Dip the cookies into creamy hot chocolate for a sweet treat.
- Tea: A warm cup of tea, especially chai or spiced varieties, pairs beautifully with gingerbread.
As Dessert Platters
- Special Occasion Cookie Platter: Combine gingerbread cookies with other holiday favorites for a colorful display.
- Cheese Board: Include gingerbread cookies on a cheese board with sharp cheeses for an interesting flavor contrast.
Creative Decorating Ideas
- Royal Icing: Use royal icing to decorate your gingerbread cookies with intricate designs.
- Sprinkles and Edible Glitter: Add festive sprinkles or edible glitter for a fun touch that kids will love.
How to Perfect Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
To achieve the best results with your gingerbread cookies, follow these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Always refrigerate your dough before baking. This helps maintain shape and enhances flavor.
- Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices like ginger and cinnamon are fresh for maximum flavor impact.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies; overworking the dough can change the texture.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be firm around the edges but still soft in the middle when you remove them from the oven.
- Cool Completely Before Decorating: Allow cookies to cool fully for better icing adherence and to prevent melting.
Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Gingerbread cookies can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad complements the sweetness of gingerbread with bright, tangy flavors.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft gingerbread cookies.
- Whipped Cream: Serve a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a delightful contrast in textures.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla or caramel ice cream makes a rich pairing that balances the spiced cookie flavors.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with fruits and crumbled gingerbread for a tasty treat any time of day.
- Cheese Slices: Soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese add creaminess that works well with spiced sweets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making gingerbread cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to ensure success.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Always refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in cookies that are burnt on the edges and undercooked inside. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Cutting uneven shapes: Uneven cookie shapes will bake inconsistently. Use cookie cutters and ensure even thickness for uniform results.
- Skipping decorations: Not decorating can make your gingerbread cookies less festive. Get creative with icing and sprinkles for a beautiful presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Layer with parchment paper between stacks to prevent sticking.
Freezing Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Reheating Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on low power.
- Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to decorate Gingerbread Cookies?
To decorate gingerbread cookies, use royal icing or fondant, and add fun sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch.
How do I make my Gingerbread Cookies softer?
For softer gingerbread cookies, slightly reduce baking time or add an extra tablespoon of molasses for moisture.
Can I freeze Gingerbread Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze gingerbread cookies for up to 3 months. Make sure they are well-wrapped in an airtight container.
How long do Gingerbread Cookies last?
Gingerbread cookies can last about one week when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I use gluten-free flour in this Gingerbread Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking.
Final Thoughts
This Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings and family celebrations. The versatility of gingerbread allows you to customize flavors and decorations according to your taste. Try adding different spices or toppings, and enjoy these delightful treats!
Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Create delightful Gingerbread Cookies that bring warmth and cheer to your holiday celebrations. This easy-to-follow recipe combines fragrant spices and a soft texture, making it perfect for family decorating sessions or festive gatherings. The cookies can be shaped into various fun designs, allowing everyone to join in on the fun. Once baked, these spiced treats can be adorned with colorful icing and sprinkles, making them an ideal gift or decorative centerpiece for your dessert table. With this recipe, you’ll not only create delicious cookies but also lasting memories with loved ones.
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
- Icing and sprinkles (for decorating)
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, beat together butter, sugars, and salts until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and molasses; mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour and spices together.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture on low speed; mix until just combined.
- Divide dough in half; roll each half out to ⅜-inch thick between parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut cookies into desired shapes and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- Cool on a rack before decorating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For softer cookies, reduce baking time slightly or add an extra tablespoon of molasses. Feel free to experiment with different spices or add citrus zest for a unique flavor twist.