How to Make the Perfect Gingerbread Cookies
American · Easy · 40 min · 24 servings
These perfectly spiced gingerbread cookies are crisp on the edges yet tender in the center with the ideal balance of molasses and warming holiday spices. They are wonderful for decorating with royal icing and make the best edible Christmas gifts.
Why this recipe works
This Gingerbread Cookies recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 120 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 0.5 cup dark molasses
- 0.75 cup packed brown sugar
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until fluffy. Add molasses and mix well. Gradually stir in the flour, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon until a smooth dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, flatten each portion into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilled dough is much easier to roll and holds its shape better during baking.
Step 3: Cut and Bake
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Roll the chilled dough to one quarter inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into festive shapes and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cool, decorate with royal icing and holiday sprinkles as desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- dark molasses → light molasses for a milder flavor
- unsalted butter → vegan butter for a dairy-free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not chilling the dough which causes cookies to spread and lose their decorative shapes
- Overbaking which makes the cookies hard and dry instead of slightly chewy in the center
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 120 calories, 2g protein, 19g carbs, 4g fat, 0g fiber.
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