Warmly spiced, delightfully fragrant, and irresistibly festive, Gingerbread Cookies are a beloved classic that instantly brings feelings of comfort and celebration. With their rich molasses flavor and cozy blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, these cookies are deeply rooted in holiday traditions across the world. From charming gingerbread men to intricately decorated shapes, gingerbread cookies are as joyful to make as they are to eat.
This recipe creates cookies that are perfectly balanced—crisp around the edges, slightly soft in the center, and full of bold spice. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting loved ones, or simply craving a nostalgic treat, gingerbread cookies never fail to deliver warmth and happiness in every bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this gingerbread cookie recipe because it:
- Fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma
- Has a deep, rich flavor thanks to molasses
- Produces cookies that hold their shape beautifully
- Is perfect for decorating or enjoying plain
- Feels nostalgic and comforting
It’s a recipe that turns baking into a cozy, joyful experience.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
- A holiday baking essential
- Perfect balance of sweetness and spice
- Great for decorating, gifting, and sharing
- Easy to customize with different shapes and flavors
- Loved by kids and adults alike
If you enjoy classic baked treats, gingerbread cookies are a must-try.
Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 24–30 cookies
Calories: ~140–160 calories per cookie (approx.)
Course & Cuisine
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: European / American
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Cookies
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Decoration
- Royal icing or powdered sugar
- Sprinkles or edible decorations
Cooking Directions
- Cream butter and sugar
- Add molasses and egg
- Mix dry ingredients
- Chill, roll, cut, and bake
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Divide dough into two discs.
- Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
Step 5: Bake
- Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set.
- Cool on wire racks completely before decorating.
How to Serve
- Serve at room temperature
- Pair with hot chocolate, tea, or coffee
- Display on holiday platters
- Gift in decorative boxes or bags
Recipe Tips
- Chill dough well to prevent spreading
- Do not overbake for softer cookies
- Use fresh spices for best flavor
- Lightly flour cookie cutters for clean shapes
Variations
- Soft Gingerbread Cookies: Bake for slightly less time
- Crispy Gingerbread: Roll dough thinner and bake longer
- Chocolate Gingerbread: Add cocoa powder
- Orange-Spiced: Add orange zest
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Freezing and Storage
Storage
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container for 7–10 days
Freezing
- Freeze cookie dough for up to 3 months
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months
- Thaw at room temperature before serving
Special Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Conclusion
Gingerbread Cookies are a timeless treat that embodies warmth, tradition, and joy. With their rich molasses flavor, aromatic spices, and festive charm, these cookies are perfect for celebrations or simple moments of comfort. Whether you decorate them elaborately or enjoy them plain, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time. Bake a batch, share the love, and savor the cozy magic of gingerbread.
Gingerbread Cookies
Description
Warmly spiced, delightfully fragrant, and irresistibly festive, Gingerbread Cookies are a beloved classic that instantly brings feelings of comfort and celebration. With their rich molasses flavor and cozy blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, these cookies are deeply rooted in holiday traditions across the world.
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Cookies
Dry Ingredients
Optional Decoration
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough : In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients : In another bowl, whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
-
Chill the Dough : Divide dough into two discs. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
-
Roll and Cut : Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
-
Bake : Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set. Cool on wire racks completely before decorating.
