Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Make this Gingerbread Cookies Recipe for your next holiday party. These cookies are not just a festive treat; they bring warmth and joy to any gathering. With their delightful blend of spices and sweet molasses, they are perfect for decorating and sharing with family and friends. Enjoy baking these cookies that will surely become a cherished tradition in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a rich, warm flavor profile.
• Creative Decorating: Use icing and sprinkles to personalize your cookies for any occasion.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make great gifts or treats for holiday parties, spreading cheer wherever they go.
• Family-Friendly Activity: Baking these cookies is a fun way to spend time together as a family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool ensures that the butter and sugars are mixed perfectly until light and fluffy, creating a great base for your cookies.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking, making it easy to transfer your cookie dough onto baking sheets without mess.
• Rolling pin: This tool helps achieve an even thickness for the cookie dough, ensuring uniform 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 Dough

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

Step 2: Add Egg and Molasses

Add the egg and molasses to the mixture. Mix at medium speed until well combined, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until all flour is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; this will make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Scrape Down the Bowl

Use a rubber spatula to scrape around the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all flour has been incorporated.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Divide the dough in half. Place one half on parchment paper. Roll it out to about ⅜-inch thick. Transfer it on parchment paper to a large sheet pan. Repeat with the second half of dough.

Step 7: Chill Dough

Cover both halves with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

Once chilled, remove from refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 9: Cut Shapes

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

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges begin to darken slightly.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Remove from oven. Let cool on baking sheet for about a minute before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before decorating.

Step 12: Decorate

Decorate as desired with icing and sprinkles before serving. Enjoy your delicious Gingerbread Cookies!

How to Serve Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Gingerbread cookies are not just delicious; they also make an excellent addition to holiday gatherings. Here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy them.

With Hot Beverages

• Pair with hot cocoa: The rich chocolate flavor complements the spices in gingerbread.
• Serve alongside spiced tea: The warmth of spiced tea enhances the cookie’s flavors.

As Edible Gifts

• Package in decorative boxes: These cookies make a charming gift when beautifully packaged.
• Create a cookie jar: Layer gingerbread cookies in a jar for a delightful homemade present.

At Holiday Parties

• Arrange on dessert platters: Present a variety of shapes and sizes for a festive display.
• Use as party favors: Wrap individual cookies in cellophane with ribbons for guests to take home.

With Ice Cream

• Crumble over vanilla ice cream: The warm cookies add texture and flavor to cold desserts.
• Sandwich with whipped cream: Create mini gingerbread ice cream sandwiches for a fun treat.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Achieving the ideal gingerbread cookies involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps achieve a smooth consistency in the dough, ensuring even mixing.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough prevents spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Measure flour accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping directly, which can lead to dense cookies.
• Don’t overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they are slightly underbaked for a chewy texture.
• Experiment with spices: Adjust the spice levels according to your preference for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Gingerbread cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their delightful flavors. Consider these tasty pairings.

1. Apple Cider – A warm apple cider brings out the spices in gingerbread beautifully.
2. Pumpkin Soup – The creamy texture balances the sweetness of gingerbread perfectly.
3. Cheese Platter – Include sharp cheeses that contrast nicely with the cookie’s sweetness.
4. Fruit Salad – Fresh fruits add a refreshing touch that pairs well with rich, spiced cookies.
5. Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of gingerbread into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
6. Spiced Nuts – These crunchy snacks provide a savory counterpoint to sweet cookies.
7. Vanilla Yogurt – A dollop of yogurt adds creaminess and tang, enhancing the overall dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making gingerbread cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right texture. Skipping this can result in cookies that spread too much while baking.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a softer bite.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make your cookies dry. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can cause uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is properly calibrated.
• Rushing the cooling process: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a minute helps them set before transferring them to a rack. Rushing this step can result in breaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store gingerbread cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered pan over low heat for a couple of minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Gingerbread Cookies Recipe.

How do I make gingerbread cookies soft?

To ensure your gingerbread cookies remain soft, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when they are just set around the edges.

Can I decorate gingerbread cookies?

Absolutely! Use icing and sprinkles for decoration. Let your creativity shine by trying different designs or using themed decorations!

What spices work best in this Gingerbread Cookies Recipe?

Common spices include ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and apple pie spice. These blend well together, creating that classic gingerbread flavor.

How long do these gingerbread cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator or several months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile and customizable. You can adjust spices or add decorations as you like! Perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion, these cookies are sure to please everyone.