There’s nothing more festive than baking a gingerbread cookie recipe during the holiday season. With its warm spices, sweet aroma, and adorable shapes, this recipe brings comfort and joy to every kitchen. Gingerbread has been a holiday tradition for centuries, with its origins dating back to medieval Europe, where it was a symbol of celebration and festivity. Today, these cookies are loved not just for their taste but also for the fun of decorating them with family and friends. If you’re looking for a simple, foolproof gingerbread cookie recipe, you’re in the right place.
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
- Perfectly spiced – Warm notes of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves make every bite cozy and comforting.
- Fun to decorate – Great for holiday cookie exchanges or decorating with kids.
- Make-ahead friendly – The dough can be chilled in advance and baked when needed.
- Customizable – Cut into festive shapes and decorate with icing, sprinkles, or candy.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
- Flour – The base that gives the cookies structure and helps them hold their shape.
- Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses-like flavor for depth.
- Molasses – The star ingredient that provides rich color and chewy texture.
- Spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg) – Create that classic warm and festive gingerbread flavor.
- Butter – Adds richness, tenderness, and buttery goodness to the cookies.
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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
- Prepare the Dough – In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Combine & Chill – Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms, then wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Roll & Cut – Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes.
- Bake – Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until firm around the edges.
- Cool & Decorate – Let cookies cool completely before decorating with icing, sprinkles, or candies.
Expert Tip: For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and allow them to firm up as they cool.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Spicier version – Add extra ground ginger or a pinch of black pepper for a bolder flavor.
- Sweeter version – Dip cookies in white chocolate or drizzle with caramel.
- Diet-friendly options – Swap butter for coconut oil and use gluten-free flour for an alternative version.
- Soft vs. crispy – Roll dough thicker for softer cookies, thinner for crispier ones.
How to Store & Reheat
- Storage – Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- Freezing – Freeze baked cookies (or unbaked dough) for up to 3 months.
- Reheating – Warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back softness.
Similar Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoy this gingerbread cookie recipe, you’ll also love these fun and festive cookie ideas:
- Cotton Candy Cookies – A whimsical, colorful treat that melts in your mouth.
- Pineapple Upside Sugar Cookies – A fruity twist on the classic sugar cookie.
- Strawberry Crunch Cookies – A sweet, crunchy, and strawberry-packed delight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, gingerbread cookie dough can be chilled for up to 3 days before baking.
Q2: Why did my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens if the dough isn’t chilled long enough. Make sure to refrigerate before rolling and cutting.
Q3: How do I get sharp cookie cutter shapes?
Roll the dough firm and cold, then cut and transfer with a spatula to avoid stretching.
Q4: Can I decorate with royal icing?
Absolutely! Royal icing works best for detailed designs and dries hard for stacking.
This gingerbread cookie recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with loved ones. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with sugar, or decorated with icing, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Bake a batch, share them with friends, and bring the warmth of the season to your home. Don’t forget to save this recipe and follow us for more festive treats!
Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- Flour – for structure and shape.
- Brown sugar – adds sweetness and caramel-like flavor.
- Molasses – gives color chewiness, and depth.
- Spices ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg – warm festive flavor.
- Butter – richness and tenderness.
- Egg – binds ingredients together.
- Baking soda – light airy texture.
- Salt – balances flavors.
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix into dough.
- Wrap dough and chill for 1 hour.
- Roll out dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until edges firm.
- Cool completely before decorating with icing or sprinkles.