Easy Gingerbread Cookies

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, and when it comes to holiday baking, Easy Gingerbread Cookies hold a special place in my heart. Growing up, my family would gather around the kitchen, flour dusting our faces as we rolled out dough and crafted gingerbread shapes, each one telling a unique story. As the cookies baked, we’d laugh, sharing memories of past holidays and creating new ones. These cookies aren’t just treats; they’re tradition, warmth, and love all rolled into one delicious bite.

What You’ll Need for Easy Gingerbread Cookies

To create the perfect batch of Easy Gingerbread Cookies, you’ll want to gather a few key ingredients that work harmoniously together. The foundation of these cookies is built on a blend of flour and spices, giving them that signature flavor. The addition of butter and sweeteners like maple syrup and molasses ensures a rich, decadent taste that perfectly complements the spices.

• 1 cup white whole wheat flour (or half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour) – This provides a nutty flavor and a wholesome texture to the cookies.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Essential for giving the cookies a nice lift while baking.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon – Adds a warm, sweet flavor that is synonymous with holiday treats.
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger – The star spice that gives gingerbread its characteristic zing.
• ¼ teaspoon allspice (or ground cloves) – A spice that enhances the warmth of the cookies, making each bite cozy.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature) – Provides a rich, creamy texture and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons milk – A little moisture to keep the dough pliable and soft.
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup – Adds sweetness and a hint of flavor that complements the spices.
• 1 tablespoon molasses – This is key for achieving that deep, rich color and flavor typical of gingerbread.
• Sprinkles, raisins, chocolate chips, icing (optional) – These are fun additions for decorating your cookies.

How to Cook Easy Gingerbread Cookies

Making Easy Gingerbread Cookies is a delightful process that brings warmth and joy right into your kitchen. Trust me, every step will fill your home with irresistible scents that will have everyone eagerly waiting for the first bite. Let’s dive into the steps!

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients in one place. Take a large mixing bowl and add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, and salt. Mix them well, so the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy and light. This will take a minute or two. Once it’s nice and fluffy, add the maple syrup and molasses. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Now, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using your hands or a wooden spoon to combine them. You want to form a dough that holds together but isn’t too sticky. If it feels a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash of milk to help it bind together.
4. Once your dough is ready, shape it into a flattened disc. You can wrap it in plastic wrap if you’d like, but it’s optional. Let the dough chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to roll out later.
5. While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. After resting, roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap to about ¼-inch thick. This makes it easier to cut shapes without sticking. If you skipped the cooling step, be sure to use parchment paper as it helps significantly.
7. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. Leave a little space between each cookie as they will expand slightly while baking.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They should be lightly browned around the edges when ready. For me, 9 minutes usually does the trick just right.
9. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheets for about a minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
10. Finally, once they are completely cool, it’s time to decorate! Use a small butter knife or a clean paintbrush to spread your icing, and sprinkle on your decorations like sprinkles, raisins, or chocolate chips as desired. Be creative!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

The beauty of Easy Gingerbread Cookies is their adaptability. You can make simple adjustments to create variations that cater to personal tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fantastic ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free: Use melted coconut oil instead of butter and unsweetened non-dairy milk to make this recipe completely dairy-free.
• Sweetness Level: For a sweeter cookie, consider adding 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to the dough mixture.
• Flavor Infusion: Mix in some orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist that enhances the spice profile.
• Decorating Options: Instead of traditional icing, try using dark chocolate for a rich, decadent finish.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight. It’ll be ready to roll out and bake the next day.

Serving Ideas for Easy Gingerbread Cookies

When it comes to serving Easy Gingerbread Cookies, the options are as delightful as the cookies themselves. Here are some creative ideas:

• Gift Packaging: Present your cookies in decorative tins or boxes, making them perfect gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
• Cookie Decorating Parties: Host a cookie decorating party where guests can personalize their cookies with different toppings and icing.
• Festive Treats: Serve these cookies on a platter at holiday gatherings, alongside hot cocoa or spiced apple cider.
• Seasonal Displays: Create a beautiful centerpiece by stacking decorated cookies on a cake stand for a charming holiday display.
• Pair with Tea: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Lunchbox Surprise: Pack these cookies in your children’s lunch as a delightful surprise that they’ll look forward to.

FAQ

Conclusion

Easy Gingerbread Cookies are not just cookies; they are a tradition filled with love, laughter, and delightful memories. Baking and decorating these cookies brings joy to any gathering, making them a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own family memories, one delicious cookie at a time!

Easy Gingerbread Cookies

Craving something sweet and festive? The ultimate comfort food, Easy Gingerbread Cookies are the perfect blend of spices and sweetness. These delightful cookies bring joy to any occasion, making them a must-bake treat for the holidays!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 9 minutes mins

Total Time 39 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup white whole wheat flour or half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon allspice or ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• optional toppings sprinkles, raisins, chocolate chips, icing

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl
• Oven

Method

 

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients in one place. Take a large mixing bowl and add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, and salt. Mix them well, so the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until it's creamy and light. This will take a minute or two. Once it’s nice and fluffy, add the maple syrup and molasses. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Now, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using your hands or a wooden spoon to combine them. You want to form a dough that holds together but isn’t too sticky. If it feels a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash of milk to help it bind together.
4. Once your dough is ready, shape it into a flattened disc. You can wrap it in plastic wrap if you’d like, but it’s optional. Let the dough chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to roll out later.
5. While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. After resting, roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap to about ¼-inch thick. This makes it easier to cut shapes without sticking. If you skipped the cooling step, be sure to use parchment paper as it helps significantly.
7. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. Leave a little space between each cookie as they will expand slightly while baking.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They should be lightly browned around the edges when ready. For me, 9 minutes usually does the trick just right.
9. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheets for about a minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
10. Finally, once they are completely cool, it’s time to decorate! Use a small butter knife or a clean paintbrush to spread your icing, and sprinkle on your decorations like sprinkles, raisins, or chocolate chips as desired. Be creative!

Notes

• Tip 1: Stir together ½ cup powdered sugar with a few drops of milk to make royal icing for decorating.
• Tip 2: Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1-2 tablespoons honey for a delicious cream cheese icing.
• Tip 3: You can make the dough night before and refrigerate it wrapped in plastic.
• Tip 4: For a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free flour blend.
• Tip 5: If the dough seems too dry, add an extra tablespoon of milk but be cautious not to overdo it.

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Meet Piper Cross

I am obsessed with using fresh, seasonal produce to make meals shine. I believe a squeeze of citrus or a handful of herbs can change everything. I cooked and photographed this dish with a focus on vibrant colors and natural textures, ensuring it looks as good as it tastes when you make it.