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Description
A recipe for classic gingerbread cookies, perfect for holiday baking and decorating.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Royal Icing (Optional):
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter 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 ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). This is crucial for easy rolling.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes using your favorite cookie cutters. Carefully transfer cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set. Baking time may vary depending on the size of your cookies.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the Royal Icing (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk/water, and vanilla (if using) until smooth and desired consistency is reached. Decorate cooled cookies as desired.
Notes
- Refrigerating the dough is essential for easy rolling and cutting.
- Baking time can vary based on cookie size and oven calibration.
- Royal icing can be made with milk or water for desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg