These gingerbread cookies are a holiday staple, bringing warmth and spice to your kitchen. Perfect for festive decorating or simply enjoying with a cozy drink, they are a delight for both kids and adults alike.
Butter gives the cookies richness and a tender crumb. Make sure it's softened for easy mixing. Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor that complements the spices. Molasses is the star here, providing depth and color. Use unsulphured molasses for the best taste. Egg binds the ingredients and adds structure. Vanilla extract enhances the flavors and adds a subtle sweetness.
Now for the spices: ground ginger offers that signature zing, while cinnamon adds warmth. A pinch of ground cloves and nutmeg rounds out the spice profile with a cozy touch. Baking soda is crucial for a little lift, keeping the cookies from being too dense. Lastly, a touch of salt balances everything out, enhancing the overall flavor.
Pair these gingerbread cookies with a glass of cold milk or a mug of hot cocoa for a classic treat. They're also wonderful alongside a warm apple cider or spiced tea, accentuating the holiday flavors.
Start by creaming together the softened butter and brown sugar in a large bowl. You want this mixture to be light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes of mixing. Next, pour in the molasses, crack in the egg, and add the vanilla extract. Stir these in until they're well combined and you have a smooth mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough begins to form. It might feel a bit sticky, but that's okay.
Divide the dough into two portions. Wrap each in plastic wrap and let them chill in the fridge for at least two hours. This step is important because it makes the dough easier to roll out and helps the flavors meld together.
When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until the edges are firm and the centers are set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cookies are cool, have fun decorating them with royal icing and candies. This is the perfect time to get creative!
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