This holiday favorite is a must-have for cookie trays! Spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies are soft and flavorful, perfect for decorating with family.
Did You Know?
Gingerbread cookies date back to medieval Europe, where they were often shaped into elaborate designs. Spices like ginger and cinnamon were prized for their ability to preserve baked goods, making them ideal for holiday celebrations.
Yield
About 24 cookies
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Cookies:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup unsulfured molasses
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Royal Icing (Optional):
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick.
Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut out shapes, placing them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Decorate the Cookies
To make the royal icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired and decorate cooled cookies with piping bags or zip-top bags.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Calories: 110, Protein: 1.2, Carbohydrates: 19.0, Fiber: 0.4, Net Carbohydrates: 18.6, Fat: 3.5, Saturated Fat: 2.0, Cholesterol: 10.0, Sodium: 90.0, Sugars: 10.0, Glycemic Index: Medium
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
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Chill Dough for Easy Handling
Refrigerating the dough ensures it’s firm and easy to roll, preventing sticking or tearing. -
Use Parchment Paper
Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking. -
Prevent Overbaking
Gingerbread cookies are ready when the edges are just set. They’ll firm up as they cool. -
Homemade Icing on a Budget
If you don’t have powdered sugar, blend granulated sugar in a food processor until fine. -
Spice it Up
Add a pinch of nutmeg or a touch of orange zest to the dough for extra flavor. -
Use Leftover Dough Wisely
Re-roll scraps to create additional cookies, being careful not to overwork the dough. -
Make Ahead
Store unbaked dough in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. -
Gift Ready
Package decorated cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful holiday gifts. -
Reuse Cookie Cutters
Invest in versatile cutters that can double for other holidays or shapes. -
Decorate with Kids
Set up a decorating station with sprinkles, candies, and icing for family fun!
Let’s Learn About Ginger
Ginger is a powerful spice known for its warm, zesty flavor and health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants and has been used in traditional medicine to soothe digestion and reduce inflammation. In baking, ginger provides a distinct flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and cloves, creating the quintessential holiday taste.
These Classic Gingerbread Men Cookies have a delightful texture that's perfect for both eating and decorating:
- Soft Yet Sturdy: They are slightly soft when you bite into them, thanks to the molasses and butter, but firm enough to hold their shape during baking and decorating.
- Smooth Surface: The dough rolls out evenly, giving the cookies a smooth, polished surface that's ideal for piping icing or adding decorations.
- Crisp Edges: While the centers remain tender, the edges bake to a light crispness, adding a satisfying contrast in texture.
- Velvety Interior: The crumb is velvety and not overly dense, making each bite rich but not heavy.
- Warm Spiced Aroma: As they bake, they fill your kitchen with the inviting aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, adding to their charm.
They’ll look like quintessential holiday cookies—golden brown, with defined shapes and a touch of festive icing if you decorate them. Perfect for cookie trays, gifting, or enjoying with a warm drink!