Is there any scent more inviting in the winter than freshly baked gingerbread cookies? These Warm-Spiced Gingerbread Cookies fill the kitchen with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, making it feel like the holiday season has officially arrived. Each bite of these cookies has that perfect balance of soft and chewy with a touch of crispness on the edges. And the best part? Decorating them! From classic gingerbread men to snowflakes and stars, decorating these cookies with icing is a tradition we look forward to every year.
🎃 Let’s Not Forget Pumpkin, But It’s Gingerbread Time Now!
While pumpkin spice has been stealing the spotlight all fall, December brings gingerbread to the front! Ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are classic winter spices that bring warmth and coziness to every bite.
A Festive Recipe to Make with Loved Ones
One of our favorite holiday activities is baking these gingerbread cookies together as a family. The process of rolling out the dough, using cookie cutters, and decorating with colorful icing makes it a fun project for everyone, no matter their age. And there’s something so heartwarming about creating these little gingerbread people or festive shapes, giving each cookie its own personality with icing, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Making this recipe has become a holiday ritual for us. It’s not just about the cookies; it’s about the memories made in the kitchen—the laughter, the silly moments, and the joy of seeing each unique creation come out of the oven. Plus, these cookies are deliciously spiced and go perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced chai. Whether you’re baking with family, friends, or even solo, it’s a wonderful way to get into the festive spirit.
🍪 Cookie Decorating Tip: Chill Your Dough for Sharp Shapes!
Chilling the gingerbread dough helps keep those fun holiday shapes crisp and prevents spreading during baking. Just a quick hour in the fridge makes all the difference!
Classic Holiday Flavors with a Cozy Twist
Holiday baking is all about tradition, and these gingerbread cookies carry that timeless warmth with them. The ginger, cinnamon, and cloves bring out that cozy, nostalgic feeling we all crave during the holidays. And while we’re big fans of pumpkin everything in the fall, gingerbread has a special place in our hearts come December. There’s nothing like biting into a soft, warm-spiced gingerbread cookie and getting that little hint of molasses that makes the flavor so deep and rich.
We love making a big batch and packaging them up for friends and family as edible gifts. They’re such a simple, thoughtful treat, and everyone loves receiving a little homemade holiday cheer. Plus, these cookies are vegetarian-friendly and easy to adapt for any gathering, big or small. Each cookie becomes a small token of warmth and love for the season, which is exactly what the holidays are all about.
🎨 Pro Tip: Get Creative with Your Icing Colors!
Want extra-festive cookies? Try mixing up a few icing colors! Red, green, white, and gold are always a hit, and a sprinkle of edible glitter never hurts.
A Delicious Holiday Tradition You’ll Love
There’s something special about baking gingerbread cookies during the holidays. The whole process—from mixing and rolling to decorating—brings people together in a way few other recipes do. And in the end, you’re left with a delightful plate of cookies that are as fun to eat as they are to look at. Each cookie brings a bite of festive flavor that’s comforting, familiar, and oh-so-cozy. So, put on your favorite holiday tunes, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a baking day filled with fun, laughter, and delicious gingerbread cookies!
☕ Best Enjoyed with a Cozy Beverage!
Pair your gingerbread cookies with a mug of hot cocoa, spiced chai, or warm apple cider for the ultimate winter treat.
Wishing You a Sweet and Spiced Holiday Season
Baking these gingerbread cookies has become a part of our holiday traditions, and we hope they become a part of yours, too. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and they capture the spirit of the season perfectly. So, get out your rolling pin, grab those cookie cutters, and enjoy a festive baking day that’s filled with warmth, laughter, and maybe a little powdered sugar dust on your nose! Here’s to making sweet holiday memories, one cookie at a time.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
Optional for Decorating:
- Royal icing or buttercream
- Food coloring
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and egg, and mix until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape while baking.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use gingerbread men or other holiday cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, buttercream, or sprinkles as desired. Let the icing set before serving or storing.
Notes
Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to suit your taste preferences.
Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 1 month.
This classic gingerbread cookie recipe brings a deliciously spiced holiday flavor that’s perfect for decorating, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. Enjoy baking and decorating these with loved ones to make the holidays even more special!
🎄 Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Cookies
Can I make the gingerbread dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s wrapped well in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough soften slightly before rolling it out.
Can I freeze these gingerbread cookies?
Absolutely! Baked gingerbread cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. For decorated cookies, it’s best to freeze them undecorated and add icing once they’re thawed.
Can I substitute molasses with something else?
Yes, but the flavor will change. Dark corn syrup or maple syrup can work in a pinch, though molasses gives that classic rich gingerbread taste. For the best traditional flavor, we recommend sticking with molasses!
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