Easy Gingerbread Cookie Recipe: A Festive Treat for Everyone
The aroma of gingerbread spices fills the air, a sure sign of the holiday season. This easy gingerbread cookie recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It's simple to follow, yields deliciously soft cookies, and is easily customizable to your preferences. Let's get baking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key for a smooth and creamy dough. Don't melt it!
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich molasses flavor that complements the gingerbread spices perfectly.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon molasses: Enhances the gingerbread flavor profile. You can adjust this based on your preferred intensity.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cookies.
- 2 teaspoons baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: The star of the show!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a subtle spiciness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create delicious gingerbread cookies:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned whisk works too, just be prepared for a little arm workout!
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
Step 7: Bake
Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, decorate with your favorite icing and sprinkles!
Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cookies:
- Don't overbake! Overbaked cookies will be dry and hard.
- Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices will yield the best flavor.
- Get creative with decorations: Royal icing, sprinkles, and candies are all great options.
- Store in an airtight container: This will help keep your cookies fresh for longer.
Enjoy Your Homemade Gingerbread Cookies!
This easy gingerbread cookie recipe is a delicious and fun activity for the whole family. Enjoy the process of baking and the sweet reward of perfectly spiced, homemade gingerbread cookies. Happy baking!
