Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
These Gingerbread Cookies are soft, warmly spiced, and full of rich molasses flavor. Perfect for Christmas baking, cookie exchanges, and decorating with family, these classic holiday cookies hold their shape beautifully while staying soft and chewy in the center.
Whether you're making gingerbread men or festive holiday shapes, this recipe is guaranteed to become a Christmas tradition.
The Origins of Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread dates back thousands of years, with early versions appearing in Ancient Greece and Egypt. However, the gingerbread cookies we know today became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages when spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg became more widely available.
Germany is often credited with popularizing decorative gingerbread cookies and gingerbread houses. The tradition eventually spread throughout Europe and later to America, where gingerbread became a Christmas staple.
Today, gingerbread cookies remain one of the most iconic holiday treats in the world.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Soft and chewy texture
- Rich molasses flavor
- Warm holiday spices
- Perfect for decorating
- Great for Christmas cookie trays
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Royal Icing
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5-6 tablespoons water
Instructions
Step 1
Whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
Step 2
Beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
Add egg, molasses, and vanilla.
Mix until combined.
Step 3
Gradually add dry ingredients.
Mix until dough forms.
Step 4
Wrap dough and chill for at least 2 hours.
Step 5
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness.
Cut into gingerbread men or holiday shapes.
Step 6
Bake for 8-10 minutes.
Allow cookies to cool completely.
Step 7
Decorate with royal icing.
Fun Gingerbread Shapes
- Gingerbread Men
- Gingerbread Women
- Gingerbread Houses
- Stars
- Christmas Trees
- Snowflakes
What to Serve With Gingerbread Cookies
- Hot Chocolate
- Eggnog
- Coffee
- Chai Tea
- Peppermint Mocha
Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
More Christmas Recipes You'll Love
- Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Christmas Fudge
- Christmas Crack
- Hot Chocolate
- Thumbprint Cookies
- Shortbread Cookies
Final Thoughts
These Gingerbread Cookies are soft, festive, and packed with classic holiday flavor. They're a timeless Christmas tradition that's just as fun to decorate as they are to eat.
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