Gingerbread Cookies
Classic gingerbread cookies filled with warm spices and perfect for decorating during the holidays.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour For the base of the dough
- 1 cup brown sugar Provides sweetness and moisture
- 1 cup unsalted butter Should be softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup molasses For traditional flavor and color
- 1 teaspoon baking soda To help cookies rise
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger For ginger spice flavor
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds warmth and sweetness
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice For additional warmth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness
- 1 large egg For binding ingredients together
Decorating Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar For icing decoration
- 1-2 tablespoons water To achieve desired icing consistency
- decorative optional sprinkles or candies For adding festive decorations
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and molasses until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Baking
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut into shapes and place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with water until a smooth icing forms.
- Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off to decorate the cooled cookies.
- Add sprinkles or candies while the icing is still wet.
Notes
Store fully cooled cookies in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze cookies and thaw at room temperature. Decorate in stages, allowing each layer to set before adding more details.