Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

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Description

Gingerbread Cookie Recipe is a classic holiday favorite known for its warm spices, rich molasses flavor, and soft yet slightly crisp texture. These cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for cut-out designs, decorating, or enjoying plain with a cup of tea or coffee.

Introduction

Few recipes bring as much nostalgia and comfort as a good gingerbread cookie. The aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves filling the kitchen instantly signals cozy moments and festive gatherings. This Gingerbread Cookie Recipe has been tested to achieve the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and structure.

What makes this recipe stand out is its texture. The cookies are firm enough to decorate but still tender when bitten. They are not overly sweet, allowing the spices and molasses to shine, just as traditional gingerbread cookies should.

Essential Ingredients

Gingerbread cookies rely on warm spices and rich sweeteners. Molasses provides depth and moisture, while brown sugar adds softness. Butter creates richness, and eggs bind the dough. Ginger, cinnamon, and cloves deliver the signature flavor that defines classic gingerbread.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Notes

Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor. Butter should be softened, not melted. Fresh spices give stronger aroma and better taste.

Recipe Information

Detail	Value
Prep Time	20 minutes
Chill Time	1 hour
Bake Time	10 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 30 minutes
Servings	24 cookies
Yield	2 dozen cookies

Key Features

This Gingerbread Cookie Recipe produces cookies that hold their shape, bake evenly, and stay soft in the center. The dough is easy to work with and perfect for rolling and cutting.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preparing the Dough

In a bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until a firm dough forms.

Chilling

Wrap the dough and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step helps control spreading and enhances flavor.

Rolling and Cutting

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.

Baking

Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Bake cookies for about 9 to 10 minutes until edges are set. Allow to cool before decorating.

Pro Tips

Do not overbake, as gingerbread cookies firm up as they cool. Chill the dough again if it becomes too soft while working. For softer cookies, bake closer to 8 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

The balance of molasses and brown sugar keeps the cookies moist, while chilling ensures clean edges and minimal spreading. The spice blend delivers traditional gingerbread flavor without overpowering sweetness.

Storage

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Dough can be frozen for up to two months.

Conclusion

This Gingerbread Cookie Recipe is a timeless classic that delivers warmth, spice, and holiday comfort in every bite. Easy to prepare and perfect for decorating or gifting, these cookies are a must-have recipe for festive baking and cozy moments at home.