Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Nothing says the holiday season quite like the aroma of freshly baked Gingerbread Cookies wafting through your kitchen. These classic cookies are not only delicious but also fun to decorate, making them a perfect activity for families during the festive season. With their warm spices and delightful sweetness, gingerbread cookies are a timeless treat that can be enjoyed year after year.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of making Classic Gingerbread Cookies, from the dough preparation to baking and decorating. Let’s dive into this festive recipe!
Ingredients List
To make Classic Gingerbread Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
For the Gingerbread Dough:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decorating (Optional):
- Royal Icing:
- 2 egg whites (or 1/2 cup egg white powder mixed with water)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vanilla extract
Optional Decorations:
- Colored sprinkles
- Edible glitter
- Candies (like M&Ms or gumdrops)
Substitutions:
- Use honey or maple syrup in place of molasses for a different flavor.
- Substitute coconut oil for butter for a dairy-free version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Egg and Molasses: Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or until firm. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Cookies
- Prepare the Surface: Lightly flour your work surface. Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator.
- Roll Out the Dough: Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes (gingerbread men, stars, etc.).
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers are slightly soft. They will harden as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Decorate
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Royal Icing: If decorating, beat the egg whites until frothy, then gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice. Beat until stiff peaks form.
- Decorate: Use piping bags or a plastic squeeze bottle to decorate the cooled cookies with royal icing. Add sprinkles and candies as desired.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional benefits for one cookie (based on 24 cookies):
| Nutrient | Per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Protein | 1g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient substitutions.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Reduced Sugar: Decrease the amount of brown sugar to adjust sweetness to your preference.
- Natural Sweeteners: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a lower glycemic index.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Classic Gingerbread Cookies with these serving ideas:
- With Hot Drinks: Pair with hot cocoa, spiced tea, or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Gift Giving: Package decorated cookies in festive boxes or bags for holiday gifts.
- Cookie Platter: Include them in a holiday cookie platter alongside other festive treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies that spread too much during baking.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
- Too Much Flour: Be careful not to over-flour your work surface when rolling out the dough, as this can lead to dry cookies.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
- Iced Cookies: Decorated cookies can be stored in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion
In summary, Classic Gingerbread Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. With their rich spices and festive shapes, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. We invite you to try this recipe, share your feedback in the comments, or subscribe for more delicious updates!
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought gingerbread dough?
Yes, store-bought dough can be a convenient alternative if you’re short on time.
2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before baking and avoid overmixing the ingredients.
3. Can I decorate the cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can decorate the cookies a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container.
Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Decorating (Optional):
- Royal Icing:
- 2 egg whites (or 1/2 cup egg white powder mixed with water)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Egg and Molasses: Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or until firm. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Cookies
- Prepare the Surface: Lightly flour your work surface. Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator.
- Roll Out the Dough: Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes (gingerbread men, stars, etc.).
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers are slightly soft. They will harden as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Decorate
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Royal Icing: If decorating, beat the egg whites until frothy, then gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice. Beat until stiff peaks form.
- Decorate: Use piping bags or a plastic squeeze bottle to decorate the cooled cookies with royal icing. Add sprinkles and candies as desired.