What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These gingerbread cookies are a holiday favorite that everyone will enjoy, with their warm spices and soft, chewy texture. Easy to make and fun to decorate, they’re the perfect treat for family and friends. They’re made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The dough is easy to handle and rolls out beautifully for cutting into festive shapes. Decorating them is a fun activity for kids and adults alike!
Recipe
Indulge in the warm, spiced aroma of homemade gingerbread cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter treats. These cookies are soft, flavorful, and easy to make, offering a delightful blend of spices and molasses.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes:
For a crispier texture, bake the cookies for an additional 1-2 minutes. Decorate with royal icing or enjoy them plain.
Equipment:
Mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, rolling pin, cookie cutters, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack.
Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Makes approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of the cutters.
Nutrition
These gingerbread cookies are a festive treat with a warm spice flavor. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Total Carbs | 24g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 2g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade gingerbread cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa—it’s a classic combo that feels extra cozy. For something more festive, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of spiced apple pie. These pairings make the cookies even more special, especially during the holidays.
Hot Cocoa Pairings
When you’re sipping on a cozy mug of hot cocoa, it’s even better with something sweet or crunchy to go alongside it. I love pairing my cocoa with warm gingerbread cookies—they’re soft, spicy, and perfect for dipping. For a little crunch, try shortbread cookies or biscotti; their buttery flavor complements the richness of the cocoa. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or marshmallows to your drink for extra warmth. Sometimes, I’ll even pop a few chocolate-covered pretzels or caramel squares on the side. Whatever you choose, it’s all about creating that cozy, comforting vibe.
Festive Dessert Combos
While gingerbread cookies are a holiday favorite on their own, they’re even more magical when paired with the right desserts. I love serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts into the warm crumbly texture. Another combo I adore is layering them with whipped cream and caramel sauce for a mini gingerbread trifle. For a cozy twist, dip them in hot chocolate or coffee—it’s like a hug in dessert form. Last year, I even crushed them into a cheesecake base, and it was a hit. Experimenting with these pairings makes every bite feel festive!
