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.

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Enjoy the season, and happy Baking!