Easy Gingerbread Cookies

Introduction

Easy Gingerbread Cookies

These easy gingerbread cookies are perfectly spiced, soft in the center, and slightly crispy on the edges. They are great for holiday baking and fun to decorate with icing!

Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour: 350g

Unsalted Butter (softened): 150g

Brown Sugar: 100g

Molasses: 150g

Large Egg: 1

Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp

Baking Soda: 1 tsp

Ground Ginger: 2 tsp

Ground Cinnamon: 2 tsp

Ground Cloves: ½ tsp

Salt: ½ tsp

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling time)

Yield: About 24 cookies

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 5mm thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
8. Place cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 350g all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoon ground ginger, 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground cloves, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat together 150g unsalted butter (softened) and 100g brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

To the butter mixture, add 150g molasses, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 5mm thickness. Ensure the surface is adequately floured to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Cut Out Shapes

Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled-out dough. Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly soft.

Step 10: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness.

Decoration

These cookies can be decorated with royal icing or your choice of icing once completely cooled.

Substitutions

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Baking Time

Keep an eye on the cookies as baking times may vary based on your oven and cookie size; adjust as necessary.

Yield

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of the cookie cutters used.

Storage Instructions

To store your gingerbread cookies, ensure they are completely cooled, then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking. Allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.

Serving Suggestions

Gingerbread cookies are wonderfully versatile and can be served in many ways. For a festive touch, consider decorating them with royal icing or colored frosting. Serve them alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or tins. For an added festive flair, enjoy the cookies with whipped cream or ice cream during holiday gatherings.

Nutritional Information

Each gingerbread cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions for the ingredients, consider the following:
- All-Purpose Flour: You can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blend for a healthier or gluten-free option; however, adjustments in liquid may be necessary.
- Unsalted Butter: Coconut oil or vegetable shortening can work as a dairy-free alternative.
- Brown Sugar: You may substitute with coconut sugar or white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for a similar flavor.
- Molasses: Honey or maple syrup can be used in place of molasses for a different sweetness.
- Egg: Replace with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option or unsweetened applesauce (¼ cup).
- Baking Soda: Baking powder can be used, but double the amount for the same leavening effect.
- Spices: Adjust the spice levels according to your preference or replace them with pre-mixed gingerbread spice blends.

Cook techniques

Measuring Ingredients

Accurate measuring of ingredients is essential for baking success. Use a digital kitchen scale for precise measurement, especially for flour and butter.

Whisking Dry Ingredients

Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Creaming Butter and Sugar

Beat the butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies rise.

Chilling the Dough

Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle while rolling out but also ensures that the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Rolling Out Dough

Roll the dough to an even thickness of about 5mm to ensure uniform baking. Use flour on your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.

Using Cookie Cutters

Dip cookie cutters in flour before cutting out shapes to prevent the dough from sticking to them.

Baking on Parchment Paper

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.

Cooling Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.

FAQ

Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, while brown sugar adds moisture and a rich flavor, white sugar can be used. The texture and taste might be slightly different.

How can I make the cookies softer?

To make softer cookies, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked.

Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?

Yes, both the dough and the baked cookies can be frozen. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. Baked cookies can be stored in a freezer bag.

How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week.

Can I add frosting or decorations?

Absolutely! The cookies are great for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter for a festive touch.

Conclusion

These easy gingerbread cookies provide a delightful balance of spices and textures, making them a perfect choice for holiday gatherings and festive occasions. With their soft centers and crispy edges, they not only taste good but also offer a fun opportunity for creativity with decorations. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious treats with family and friends!

Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

Create a delightful twist by making gingerbread sandwich cookies. Fill them with cream cheese frosting or spiced buttercream for a rich and flavorful treat.

Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Transform the traditional cookie shape into bars. Spread the dough in a baking dish, bake, and then cut into squares for an easy and shareable dessert.

Gingerbread Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Take a scoop of your favorite ice cream and sandwich it between two gingerbread cookies for a delicious and festive dessert.

Chocolate-Dipped Gingerbread Cookies

Dip half of your gingerbread cookies in melted chocolate for an indulgent touch. Sprinkle with crushed nuts or sprinkles before the chocolate sets for added flair.

Gingerbread Cookie Crumble

Crush the baked gingerbread cookies and use them as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or even in a dessert parfait for added texture and flavor.

Gingerbread Cookie Trifle

Layer pieces of gingerbread cookies with whipped cream and your favorite fruits for a beautiful and delicious trifle that is perfect for any holiday gathering.

Spiced Gingerbread Cupcakes

Use the same gingerbread spices to bake delicious cupcakes. Top them with a cream cheese frosting for a festive treat that combines the flavors of gingerbread in a new form.