Elevate your holiday spirit with our irresistible gingerbread cookie recipe. Whether you're creating festive shapes with loved ones or simply enjoying the comforting flavours, these gingerbread cookies are bound to become a cherished tradition. Let's dive into the magic of ginger and spices!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar,
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and the ground spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg). Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, followed by the molasses and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle.
- Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favourite holiday cookie cutters to create festive shapes.
- Bake: Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, unleash your creativity, and decorate with icing, and sprinkles, or enjoy them as-is!
Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cookies:
- For a softer texture, slightly underbake the cookies.
- Experiment with different shapes and sizes to add variety to your holiday cookie collection.
- Consider making extra dough to freeze for later use or for a quick holiday baking session.
Gingerbread cookies are more than just a treat; they symbolise holiday joy and togetherness! Whether shared with family and friends or enjoyed with a cosy cup of hot chocolate, these homemade gingerbread cookies will bring warmth to your holiday season. Happy baking!
