There’s something utterly magical about the aroma of gingerbread cookies wafting through the house during the holiday season. These classic treats, with their comforting blend of spices and sweet molasses, evoke memories of cozy family gatherings, festive decorations, and the warmth of a crackling fireplace. Perfect for a day of baking with loved ones, these Gingerbread Cookies are not only delightful to eat but also a joy to decorate. Zynahz invites you to create and share these timeless cookies, making them a cherished part of your seasonal traditions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling time
Servings: 24 cookies
Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Royal icing for decorating
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and molasses until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, use royal icing to decorate the cookies. Let the icing set completely before storing.
Helpful Tips
- For an even softer cookie, add an extra tablespoon of molasses.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for easy rolling and cutting.
- Add a pinch of black pepper for a subtle kick of spice.
Storage Instructions
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze undecorated cookies for up to three months; simply thaw before decorating.
Pairings
These gingerbread cookies pair wonderfully with a mug of hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a glass of cold milk. Serve alongside a platter of fresh fruit or a selection of cheeses for a delightful holiday treat.
We hope these Gingerbread Cookies bring as much joy to your home as they do to ours. Share your delightful creations with us using #ZynahzRecipes or tag Zynahz on Instagram. We love seeing how you bring our recipes to life!
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