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Gingerbread Cookies are a holiday classic! Made with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these spiced cookies are soft, flavorful, and ideal for cutting into festive shapes like gingerbread men. Decorate them with icing to add a personal touch, making these cookies a must-have for the holiday season!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Bakery, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 140 kcal

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

Chill for Perfect Shapes: Chilling the dough is essential for keeping the cookies’ shape while baking. Don’t skip this step!
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!
Keyword Christmas Cookies, decorated cookies, gingerbread cookies, gingerbread men, holiday cookies, spiced cookies