From Classic to Creative: Unwrap the Best Gingerbread Cookie Recipes This Christmas
Quick Overview
- Recipe Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 from readers)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 120 calories per cookie
Introduction
Ah, Christmas! The season of joy, family gatherings, and, of course, the delightful aromas wafting from the kitchen! Gingerbread cookies are a beloved holiday tradition that bring a sense of nostalgia and comfort. Growing up, my grandmother would bake these delicious spiced cookies every December, filling our home with warmth and holiday cheer. Whether you prefer a classic version or want to get creative with flavors and designs, these gingerbread cookies are a must-try this Christmas. Plus, with ideas for healthier options like gluten-free and vegan variations, everyone can enjoy a bite of this festive treat!
Ingredients List
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Substitutions:
- For a gluten-free option, swap regular Flour with a 1:1 gluten-free Flour blend.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Flour, Baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until evenly combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Molasses: Mix in the egg and molasses until well incorporated.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
Bake: Place the cookies on a lined Baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the Baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks Section
- For Thicker Cookies: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- Flavor Boost: Add a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing twist.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Decorating: Use royal icing, colored sugar, or fondant to decorate your gingerbread cookies creatively.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Macronutrients:
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Micronutrients:
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
Recipe Notes
- You can roll the dough thicker or thinner depending on your preference for cookie crunchiness.
- For those who enjoy unique flavors, consider adding some finely chopped nuts or dried fruits into the dough.
FAQs
How do I store leftover cookies?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the dough?
- Yes, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling out.
What can I use instead of molasses?
- Brown syrup or honey can be used as a substitute for molasses.
How do I get the icing to dry quickly?
- Use a fan to help the icing dry faster after decorating your cookies.
- Can I add other spices?
- Absolutely! Experiment with nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile.
Please Give Us Your Feedback!
We’d love to hear how your gingerbread cookies turned out! Please leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or share your creations on social media with #GingerbreadCookies!
Recipe Card: Classic Gingerbread Cookies
- Servings: 24
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together dry ingredients: Flour, Baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then mix in egg and molasses.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll out and cut into shapes, bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack before decorating.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with different spices for unique flavors.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases; I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases as an affiliate. Please note that I only recommend products I believe will provide value to my readers.
Enjoy the season, and happy Baking!
