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Gingerbread Cookies

These gingerbread cookies are crisp at the edges, tender in the center, and filled with the warm flavor of molasses and spices. Perfect for holiday trays and easy to customize.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Holiday
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the gingerbread cookie dough

  • 3 cups All-purpose flour Measure carefully to avoid a dry dough.
  • 2 teaspoons Ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cloves or nutmeg Choose based on preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened, or vegan butter For a dairy-free option.
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup Molasses Use unsulphured for balanced flavor.
  • 1 large Egg or a suitable vegan egg substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

For decorating

  • as needed Powdered sugar icing
  • as needed Royal icing
  • as needed Sprinkles
  • as needed Colored sugar
  • as needed Melted chocolate
  • as needed Mini candies or edible pearls

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves or nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
  • In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the molasses, egg or vegan egg substitute, and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until a soft dough forms.

Chilling

  • Divide the dough into two portions and flatten each into a disk. Wrap the disks and refrigerate until firm.

Baking

  • Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough to an even thickness, then cut out your favorite shapes.
  • Transfer the cookies to parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving a little space between them.
  • Bake until the edges look set and the centers are slightly soft.
  • Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Add icing, sprinkles, or other decorations once the cookies are completely cool.

Notes

Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to a few months.
Keyword Baking, festive treats, Gingerbread Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Vegan Cookies