Simple Joy: Homemade Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Sweet aromas of warm spices dance through the kitchen when baking gingerbread cookies during the holiday season.

These delightful homemade gingerbread cookies bring nostalgic memories of cozy winter celebrations.

Rich molasses and fragrant cinnamon blend perfectly to create a classic treat that sparks joy.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these cookies irresistibly delectable.

Generations have cherished this beloved recipe, passing down traditions from one kitchen to another.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of sweetness and spice that warms hearts and creates lasting memories.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet magical recipe that turns ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 25

What’s Inside Gingerbread Cookies

• Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookie's texture, choose unbleached all-purpose flour for best results.
• Ground Ginger: Delivers the signature warm, spicy flavor, opt for fresh, high-quality ground ginger.
• Cinnamon: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie's flavor profile, use ground Ceylon cinnamon for a milder taste.
• Ground Cloves: Introduces a rich, aromatic essence, select whole ground cloves for maximum potency.
• Nutmeg: Contributes a subtle, sweet undertone, freshly grated nutmeg offers the most intense flavor.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and create a soft texture, ensure it's fresh and not expired.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Butter: Creates richness and helps bind ingredients, select unsalted butter at room temperature.
• Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and deep caramel notes, use dark brown sugar for more intense flavor.
• Molasses: Adds moisture and distinct gingerbread flavor, choose unsulphured molasses for best taste.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent and provides structure, use large, room-temperature eggs.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out and deepens the spice flavors, use pure vanilla extract for best results.

• Royal Icing: Creates festive designs and adds sweet finishing touch, make fresh for best consistency.
• Sprinkles: Provides color and whimsical decoration, select holiday-themed or classic options.

Cookie Cutters And Tools For Gingerbread Cookies

• Electric mixer: Perfect for beating butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for creaming butter and mixing wet ingredients.
• Medium mixing bowl: Needed for combining dry ingredients with precision.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll dough to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
• Cookie cutters: Create fun gingerbread men and festive shapes.
• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for baking cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and crisp up.
• Plastic wrap: Used for chilling dough discs.
• Whisk: Combines dry ingredients smoothly.

Bake Gingerbread Cookies With Cheer

• Whip Up the Dry Mix

Grab a bowl and blend together the powdery ingredients, creating a fragrant spice blend that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

• Create the Creamy Base

Grab your mixer and whirl butter and brown sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Pour in the sticky molasses, crack in an egg, and splash some vanilla for extra magic.

• Form the Dough

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, stirring until a soft, delightful dough emerges. Slice the dough into two rounds, wrap them up, and let them chill out in the refrigerator for about an hour.

• Shape and Prep

Heat up the oven and dust your workspace with a light flour blanket. Roll out the dough into a thin sheet and unleash your inner artist with cookie cutters, creating adorable gingerbread characters.

• Bake to Perfection

Arrange your cookie friends on a baking sheet, giving them a bit of personal space. Pop them in the oven and bake until the edges look set but the centers stay slightly tender.

• Add the Finishing Touches

Once cooled, transform your cookies into festive masterpieces with royal icing and playful sprinkles, making them as unique as you are!

Ideas To Decorate Gingerbread Cookies Just Right

• Perfect Cookie Texture: Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure crisp, clean-edged cookies that hold their shape beautifully during baking.
• Spice Intensity Adjustment: Increase or decrease ground spices to match personal taste preferences, allowing home bakers to customize the warmth and depth of gingerbread flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies accessible for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same delightful texture.
• Vegan Friendly Option: Replace butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based to create a delicious dairy-free and egg-free version of these classic cookies.
• Storage Wisdom: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months to enjoy the festive treat long after baking day.

Serve Gingerbread Cookies With A Smile

• Holiday Party Platter: Arrange gingerbread cookies on a festive wooden board with peppermint sticks, chocolate truffles, and small candy canes for a stunning dessert display.
• Gifting Delights: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons, perfect for teacher gifts, holiday exchanges, or small thank-you presents for neighbors and friends.
• Sweet Pairing Companions: Serve alongside warm mulled wine, hot chocolate, or spiced apple cider to enhance the cozy winter flavor profile and create a delightful sensory experience.
• Family Decorating Fun: Gather kids and adults around the table with royal icing, colored sprinkles, and small candies to personalize each gingerbread cookie with unique designs and silly faces.

Keep Gingerbread Cookies Crisp Or Soft

• Smart Cookie Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezing Friendly: Wrap undecorated cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store flat in freezer bags for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days before baking. Refrigerate wrapped discs, then bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling and cutting shapes.
• Decoration Durability: Royal icing decorations stay crisp for 3-4 days when cookies are stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Festive Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Festive Gingerbread Cookies bring warmth and nostalgia to holiday celebrations with their rich, spicy flavor. Traditional German baking techniques combine molasses, ginger, and cinnamon for a delightful seasonal treat you’ll cherish.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups (384 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (165 g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (170 ml) molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Royal icing
• Sprinkles or candy decorations

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Instructions

1. Blend Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, leavening agent, and salt in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Cream Butter Mixture: Vigorously beat softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy, approximately two minutes of consistent mixing.
3. Incorporate Wet Components: Mix molasses, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter blend, stirring until smooth and fully integrated.
4. Form Dough: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, creating a soft, pliable dough without overmixing. Divide dough into two circular discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for one hour to enhance flavor and texture.
5. Prepare Baking Surface: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Shape Cookies: Roll chilled dough to 14-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes, carefully transferring cut-outs to prepared baking sheet with minimal spacing.
7. Bake and Cool: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft. Rest cookies on baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack.
8. Decorate: Once completely cooled, adorn with royal icing and sprinkles to create a visually stunning seasonal treat.

Notes

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and enhance the complex spice flavors, ensuring cookies maintain their crisp shape during baking.
• Measure Spices Precisely: Use fresh, high-quality ground spices to guarantee an authentic, robust gingerbread flavor that truly captures the warm, traditional taste profile.
• Roll Dough Consistently: Maintain an even 1/4-inch thickness while rolling to ensure uniform baking and prevent some cookies from becoming too crisp or remaining undercooked.
• Control Baking Time Carefully: Watch cookies closely during the 8-10 minute window, as ovens vary; remove when edges are set but centers remain slightly soft for a perfect chewy-crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg