These soft-centered, crispy-edged Gingerbread Cookies bring holiday cheer to any kitchen. Made with warm spices, molasses, and brown sugar, they're perfect for Christmas baking. Get ready to fill your home with the sweet smell of gingerbread and create memories that last long after the cookies are gone.
Why Make These Cookies
These gingerbread cookies aren't just tasty they're fun to make too. The mix of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates that classic holiday flavor everyone loves. The dough is easy to work with, perfect for cutting into festive shapes. Whether you're baking with kids or making holiday gifts, these cookies bring smiles to everyone.
What You'll Need
- Flour: 3 cups all purpose flour for structure
- Leavening: 1 teaspoon baking soda to help cookies rise
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon salt to enhance flavor
- Spices: 1 tablespoon ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon each allspice and cloves
- Butter: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Sugar: 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- Molasses: 2/3 cup unsulphured molasses
- Egg: 1 large egg at room temperature
- Vanilla: 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Optional: Cookie icing for decorating
How to Make Them
- Mix the Dry Stuff
- Whisk flour, spices, baking soda, and salt in bowl. Set aside.
- Make the Dough
- Beat soft butter until creamy. Mix in brown sugar and molasses. Add egg and vanilla. Slowly mix in dry ingredients.
- Chill Time
- Split dough in half, wrap in plastic. Chill at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Shape and Bake
- Roll out cold dough on floured surface. Cut shapes. Bake at 350°F for 9-10 minutes until edges are firm.
Special Holiday Cookies
Gingerbread cookies really feel like Christmas. That sweet, spicy smell filling your kitchen means the holidays are here. These aren't just cookies, they're part of what makes the season special. When they're baking, everyone wants to peek in the oven and sneaks warm cookies right off the cooling rack.
All About Molasses
Molasses is what makes gingerbread taste like gingerbread. This dark syrup does more than just sweeten - it gives the cookies their rich color and chewy texture. You want unsulphured or dark molasses for the best flavor. It helps the cookies stay soft in the middle while getting crispy edges, and keeps them from spreading too much while baking.
Tips for Perfect Shapes
Want cookies that keep their shape? The secret is cold dough. After mixing, wrap it up and chill at least 3 hours or overnight. When you're ready to roll, flour your counter well so nothing sticks. Work with one piece of dough at a time, keeping the rest cold. If the dough gets too soft, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Fun with Decorating
Decorating is the best part! Once cookies are completely cool, bring out the icing and get creative. Simple dots make eyes and buttons, or try fancy designs with different icing colors. Kids love this part - let them make faces and patterns. Don't worry about being perfect - each cookie should look unique.
Why These Work Every Time
This recipe makes great cookies every time you make them. They have just the right amount of spice and sweetness, with that classic gingerbread taste everyone loves. The dough is easy to work with, and the cookies stay fresh for days in an airtight container. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies won't let you down.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I store and freeze cookies?
Store in an airtight container with parchment layers; add a slice of bread to keep them soft. Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months or dough for 2 months, wrapped tightly.
- Why does my dough stick, and how can I fix it?
Chill the dough for at least 4 hours and dust your surface and rolling pin with flour. Roll small portions between parchment, and keep unused dough refrigerated. Add a little flour if needed.
- Can I use these cookies for a gingerbread house?
These cookies are too soft for construction. Adjust by reducing butter, adding more flour, and rolling the dough thicker. For better results, use a recipe made for structural gingerbread.
- How can I bake cookies evenly?
Preheat the oven fully, use parchment-lined sheets, and roll dough evenly. Bake one tray at a time, rotate halfway, and remove cookies when edges are golden but centers stay soft.
- What are my decorating options?
Use powdered sugar icing for simple designs or royal icing for intricate, hard-drying decorations. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or food coloring to make them extra festive.
Some More Ideas
If you love these, try making spiced cakes, molasses bars, or Christmas biscotti too! They all use similar warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, plus that rich molasses taste. These classic holiday treats are easy to make with basic baking ingredients.