Whether you're in the mood for a sweet holiday treat or looking forward to sharing some homemade goodies with co-workers, this gingerbread cookie recipe is sure to be a hit. Featuring delicious, spicy gingerbread cookies with a hint of molasses and brown sugar, these treats are guaranteed to make your mouth water. And because they're easy to prepare, you can make them in bulk without too much hassle!
What I LOVE about them:
Gingerbread cookies are a beloved holiday treat that many people enjoy for their:
Warm, spicy flavor: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg creates a warm, comforting flavor that evokes memories of the holiday season.
Aroma: The spicy, warming aroma of gingerbread cookies is a festive and inviting scent that many people associate with the holiday season.
Decorating potential: Gingerbread cookies are often decorated with icing and candies, which can be a fun activity for people of all ages.
Versatility: Gingerbread cookies can be enjoyed on their own, used as a base for gingerbread houses, or even as a crust for a dessert pie.
Nostalgia: For many people, gingerbread cookies evoke memories of holiday traditions and spending time with family.
Variation:
Gingerbread cookies can come in many variations, which can make them appealing to a wide range of people. Some popular variations include:
Soft and chewy: For those who prefer a soft and chewy cookie, a gingerbread cookie recipe can be adjusted to make a cookie with a tender texture.
Crispy: For those who like a crispy cookie, a gingerbread cookie recipe can be adjusted to make a cookie that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Gluten-free: For those with gluten sensitivities, gingerbread cookies can be made with gluten-free flour to make them safe to eat.
Vegan: For those who follow a vegan diet, gingerbread cookies can be made with vegan-friendly ingredients, such as flax eggs and vegan butter.
Spicy: For those who like a spicier gingerbread cookie, the ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in the recipe can be increased for a more intense flavor.
Decorated: For those who enjoy decorating cookies, gingerbread cookies are a great option as they can be decorated with icing and candies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, very soft
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, not packed
- 2 eggs (or equivalent in egg substitute)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour. If you want more gingerbread flavor, replace 1/4 of it with the gingerbread spice mix. You can also use whole wheat flour or a combination of both.
Preparations:
1. Cream the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs together.
2. Add flour and mix until nice and smooth.
3. Roll out on parchment paper or a silicone mat to about 1/4" thickness, using a little bit of flour to help keep it from sticking to your rolling pin.
Using a large cookie cutter of your choice (I use a 1½" round), cut out shapes and then cover them individually with plastic wrap as they are done, so they don't dry out while you're working on the next batch of cookies.
4. Bake at 400°F until just done, about 10 minutes.
5. Let cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to allow the gingerbread to firm up so it can be removed from the cookie cutters.
6. Immediately decorate with icing if desired and enjoy!
