why make this recipe
Gingerbread cookies are a festive treat loved by many. They are perfect for the holidays and bring a warm, spicy flavor that warms the heart. Making gingerbread cookies is also a fun activity for families and friends, allowing everyone to get creative with shapes and decorations. Plus, they make great gifts or can be enjoyed at gatherings.
how to make Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients :
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
- Royal icing (for decoration)
Directions :
- In a bowl, mix the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until slightly firm.
- Let the cookies cool and then decorate with royal icing.
how to serve Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are perfect for serving with a cup of hot cocoa or tea. You can enjoy them plain, or you can have fun decorating them with royal icing and sprinkles. They also make a charming addition to any holiday dessert table or as part of a gift basket.
how to store Gingerbread Cookies
To keep your gingerbread cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just make sure to let them thaw before serving.
tips to make Gingerbread Cookies
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for better dough consistency.
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
- Chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle.
- Decorate with edible glitter or colored sugar for a festive look.
- Experiment with different cookie shapes to make your baking more fun!
variation
You can add other spices like nutmeg or cloves for a different flavor profile. Another fun variation is to include chocolate chips or nuts in the dough. You can also layer flavors by using flavored extracts like orange or almond.
FAQs
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture may be different.
Q: How do I make the royal icing?
A: To make royal icing, beat together egg whites and powdered sugar until it forms stiff peaks. You can also use meringue powder as a substitute for egg whites.
Q: Can I make gingerbread cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.
Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until slightly firm.
- Let the cookies cool and then decorate with royal icing.