There’s something magical about the smell of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven, especially during the holiday season. I remember the first time I made these easy gingerbread cookies; my kitchen filled with the warm, spicy aroma, and I couldn’t help but feel giddy with anticipation. I decorated them with colorful icing, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in! Not only are these cookies a breeze to whip up, but they also bring back cherished memories of holiday gatherings and laughter. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making them year after year, sharing them with friends and family, or simply enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, large
- 1/4 cup molasses
How to Prepare Easy Gingerbread Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden brown. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than the smell of burnt gingerbread filling the air!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. I like to whisk these together until they’re well blended. This not only helps with even distribution but also gets those lovely spices mixed in nicely. It’s like a little spice party in your bowl!
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that delightful texture. You want it to feel and look creamy!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add the egg and molasses to your creamy mixture. Mix them in well; this is where all that delicious flavor comes in. Make sure everything is well combined—no one wants to bite into a cookie and get a mouthful of molasses all at once!
Forming the Dough
Gradually add your dry ingredient mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. It’s best to do this in batches to avoid any flour explosions! Once the dough comes together, it’s time to roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. This is where the fun begins—get your hands a little messy!
Baking the Cookies
Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave some space between them, as they will spread a little. Bake for 10-12 minutes, but keep a close eye! You want the edges to be firm while the centers are still soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a bit underbaked when you take them out.
Cooling and Decorating
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they’re completely cool, it’s time to get creative! I love using royal icing for decoration—it’s perfect for adding those festive touches. Just let your imagination run wild and have fun with it!
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: For easier handling and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much, consider chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. It makes a world of difference!
- Use Fresh Spices: Make sure your ground spices are fresh! The flavor of your gingerbread cookies really depends on the quality of your spices. If they’re older than six months, treat yourself to some new ones!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on those cookies! They should be slightly soft in the center when you pull them out. They’ll continue to cook a bit on the baking sheet, so take them out when the edges are set but the middle still has a little jiggle.
- Decorate with Joy: When it comes to decorating, don’t stress! Use a piping bag for the royal icing, or even just a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Let your creativity shine—sprinkles, candies, and fun designs make for delightful cookies!
- Store Wisely: To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. It might sound quirky, but the bread helps maintain moisture, keeping those cookies fresh longer!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so these are just estimates. Here’s a rough breakdown for one of these delicious easy gingerbread cookies:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Remember, everyone’s kitchen is a little different, so feel free to adjust your ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and make your easy gingerbread cookies a bit heartier. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
How do I make my gingerbread cookies more spicy?
If you love a kick of spice, feel free to increase the amount of ground ginger and cinnamon! Adding a pinch of black pepper can also enhance the warmth without overwhelming the sweetness. Just remember to taste as you go!
Can I freeze the dough for later?
Yes, you can! Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it into balls. It’s a great way to have fresh gingerbread cookies on hand anytime!
What’s the best way to decorate gingerbread cookies?
I love using royal icing for decorating because it hardens beautifully and holds its shape. You can also use colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or even melted chocolate for a fun twist. Just let your creativity flow—there are no rules here!
Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
Oh no! This can happen if the dough is too warm or if it didn’t have enough flour. Make sure to chill the dough if it feels sticky, and always measure your flour accurately. A little extra chill time can work wonders!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules
- Festive flavor that captures the essence of the season
- Fun and creative decorating possibilities for all ages
- Ideal for sharing with friends, family, or coworkers
- Soft and chewy texture that everyone loves
- Fills your home with that irresistible gingerbread aroma
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your easy gingerbread cookies soft and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but trust me, they might not last that long—everyone loves these little treats!
If you find yourself with leftover cookies (which is rare, but it happens!), you can also freeze them. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. No need to reheat—just dive in and savor that delightful gingerbread flavor!
Print
Easy Gingerbread Cookies That Spark Holiday Joy
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy gingerbread cookies are perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add egg and molasses to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool before decorating.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use royal icing for decoration.
- Chill dough for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: easy gingerbread cookies
