Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Make this Gingerbread Cookies Recipe for your next holiday party. These delightful cookies are not only festive but also easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. The warm spices and sweet aroma will fill your home with the spirit of the season, making them ideal for gatherings or as a sweet treat anytime. Plus, decorating these gingerbread cookies can be a fun activity for all ages!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices creates a rich flavor that is synonymous with holiday cheer.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these cookies with ease.
• Customizable Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes that suit any occasion, from stars to gingerbread men.
• Fun Decorating Activity: Let your creativity shine by decorating with icing and sprinkles, making it a great family activity.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in a decorative box or tin for thoughtful homemade gifts during the holidays.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes baking a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need to get started on your gingerbread cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheets
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort by efficiently mixing ingredients to achieve a light and fluffy dough.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking, making it easier to transfer your cookies without damage.
• Rolling pin: Ensures an even thickness when rolling out your dough, which is crucial for consistent baking.

Ingredients

Make this family of gingerbread cookies for your next holiday party.

Ingredients:
– 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
– Icing and sprinkles (for decorating)

How to Make Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and both salts together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Egg and Molasses

Add in the egg and molasses. Mix at medium speed until well combined, which should take about 1 minute.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, apple pie spice, and ground cloves.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until all of the flour has been incorporated. Avoid overmixing as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Prepare for Chilling

Scrape around the sides and bottom of the bowl using a rubber spatula to ensure everything is well blended. Divide the dough in half. Roll out one half on parchment paper to about ⅜-inch thick. Transfer this rolled dough onto a large sheet pan.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Repeat this process with the second half of dough. Cover both halves with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Once chilled, remove the dough from refrigeration. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 8: Cut Out Cookie Shapes

Cut out shapes from the chilled dough using cookie cutters. Place them onto prepared baking sheets.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes or until edges are slightly darkened.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

Remove cookies from oven and let cool on baking sheet for about one minute before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to fully cool before decorating.

Step 11: Decorate Your Cookies

Once cooled, decorate your gingerbread cookies as desired using icing and sprinkles. Serve them up or package them as gifts!

Enjoy these delightful gingerbread cookies that bring warmth and joy during any festive occasion!

How to Serve Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Gingerbread cookies are perfect for any festive gathering. They can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance their delightful flavors.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The rich, bold flavor of coffee complements the spices in gingerbread.
• Tea: A warm cup of chai or herbal tea brings out the cookie’s sweetness.
• Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a cozy pairing with creamy hot chocolate for an extra treat.

Decorated for Festivities

• Icing Designs: Use royal icing to create fun shapes and festive patterns on your cookies.
• Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the icing for a cheerful touch.
• Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant finish to your cookies.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Variety of Cookies: Serve gingerbread alongside other holiday treats like sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies for a diverse platter.
• Cheese Pairing: Include some soft cheese, like cream cheese, to balance the sweetness of the cookies.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

To achieve the best results with your gingerbread cookies, follow these simple tips.

• Chill Your Dough: Chilling prevents spreading during baking, keeping your cookies in their desired shapes.
• Do Not Overmix: Mix until just combined to maintain a tender texture in your cookies.
• Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for maximum flavor impact in every bite.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Proper measurements, especially for flour, can significantly affect the cookie’s texture.
• Bake in Batches: Bake smaller batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding on baking sheets.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Gingerbread cookies can be paired with various side dishes that enhance their festive spirit. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast with spicy cookies.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a bright balance to the richness of gingerbread.
3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture and complement the cookie’s flavors beautifully.
4. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream is perfect for dipping or adding on top of each cookie.
5. Pumpkin Soup: The warmth and spices of pumpkin soup make it a cozy pairing with gingerbread.
6. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses pairs well with the sweet and spicy notes of gingerbread, enhancing flavor dynamics.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making gingerbread cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Boldly overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
• Boldly ignoring chilling time: Chilling the dough is crucial for shaping and preventing spreading during baking. Always refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• Boldly skipping the salt: Salt enhances flavor even in sweet treats. Don’t forget to include both kosher and coarse sea salt.
• Boldly using incorrect flour measurements: Too much or too little flour affects the cookie’s texture. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
• Boldly decorating too soon: Let cookies cool completely before decorating. This prevents icing from melting or sliding off.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months; wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months as well; store in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

• Boldly using the oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Boldly using the microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as they can become tough.
• Boldly using the stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making gingerbread cookies.

What is the best way to decorate gingerbread cookies?

You can use royal icing or buttercream for decorating. Add sprinkles or edible glitter for extra festivity!

How do I make gingerbread men from this Gingerbread Cookies Recipe?

Simply roll out the dough and use cookie cutters shaped like gingerbread men before baking.

Can I substitute ingredients in this Gingerbread Cookies Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute unsalted butter with plant-based margarine and use different spices according to your taste preferences.

How do I store leftover gingerbread cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

What makes this Gingerbread Cookies Recipe unique?

This recipe combines various spices that create a rich flavor profile, making it perfect for holiday gatherings!

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is not just delicious; it’s also versatile! You can customize it with your favorite spices or decorations. Try making these delightful treats at your next holiday gathering, and enjoy the festive spirit they bring!