Get ready to transform your kitchen into a magical holiday wonderland with these irresistibly soft and perfectly spiced gingerbread cutout cookies! Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver melt-in-your-mouth cookies that will have everyone begging for more. These aren't just cookies - they're edible memories that capture the warm, nostalgic essence of the holiday season in every delectable bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are at room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the molasses and egg to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop and make the dough easier to handle.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the centers look slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 weeks.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest dough consistency.
- Chill Your Dough: Don't skip the refrigeration step - this helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor development.
- Flour Your Surface Lightly: Too much flour can make cookies tough, so use a light touch when rolling out.
- Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- Watch Baking Time Carefully: Remove cookies when edges are just set for that perfect soft texture.
- Decorating Tip: Let cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent icing from melting.
- Storage Hack: Store in an airtight container with a piece of bread to keep cookies soft and fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
