Festive Gingerbread Cookies (Printable)

Aromatic gingerbread featuring a crisp texture ideal for intricate icing and edible holiday ornaments.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g)
02 - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
03 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (170 g)
09 - 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed (150 g)
10 - 1/2 cup molasses (120 ml)
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ For Decorating

13 - Royal icing (see preparation note)
14 - Assorted candies, sprinkles, or edible glitter (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl; set aside.
02 - Beat unsalted butter with dark brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
03 - Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture; mix until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredient blend to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
05 - Divide dough in half, form each into a disc, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness, then cut desired shapes using cookie cutters.
08 - Place cut shapes onto prepared baking sheets; for ornaments, create a hole near the top using a straw.
09 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set; allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks.
10 - Apply royal icing and optional decorations; let icing set thoroughly before handling or hanging ornaments.

# Tips from dashanddishes:

01 -
  • This gingerbread has a crispness that holds up beautifully under intricate icing designs, perfect for crafty cookie decorators.
  • The perfect blend of spices feels like a secret ingredient passed down just for you to share at holiday gatherings.
02 -
  • Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and help cookies keep their shape when baking.
  • Using molasses instead of just brown sugar really transforms the flavor, giving it that classic deep warmth.
03 -
  • Use room temperature butter to achieve a smooth, creamy texture that mixes easily with sugar.
  • Cut cookies just the thickness recommended for even baking and crisp edges every time.

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