Description
Classic gingerbread cookies with perfectly balanced warm spices, tender texture, and excellent shape retention for decorating. These traditional holiday cookies fill your home with nostalgic aromas and create lasting memories.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
⅔ cup molasses
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Decoration (optional):
2 cups powdered sugar
3–4 tablespoons milk
Food coloring as desired
Instructions
1. In large bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and combined.
3. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll chilled dough to ⅛-inch thickness between parchment sheets.
8. Cut with cookie cutters and transfer to prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden.
10. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
11. Decorate with icing or glaze once completely cool.
Notes
Chill dough thoroughly for best shape retention during baking.
Don’t overbake – cookies continue cooking on hot pan after removal.
Store decorated cookies in single layers separated by parchment paper.
Dough can be made 3 days ahead and refrigerated or frozen for 3 months.
For construction projects, roll dough ¼ inch thick and bake 2-3 minutes longer.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: gingerbread cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, spiced cookies, holiday baking