Easy Gingerbread Cookies Recipe: A Festive Treat for Beginners
This easy gingerbread cookies recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and those short on time. It delivers delicious, classic gingerbread flavor without the complicated steps often associated with holiday baking. Let's get started on creating these festive treats!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key for smooth mixing. Let it sit out at room temperature for about an hour before starting.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and that signature gingerbread richness.
- 1/2 cup molasses: Molasses provides the deep, dark color and distinctive gingerbread flavor.
- 1 large egg: The egg binds the ingredients together.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure of the cookies.
- 2 teaspoons baking soda: Baking soda helps the cookies rise.
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger: This is the star spice!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and complexity to the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves: A classic gingerbread spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A touch of nutmeg adds a lovely aroma.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
Instructions: Step-by-Step Gingerbread Cookie Magic
Step 1: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is best done using an electric mixer, but you can do it by hand if you're feeling ambitious (it will just take a bit longer).
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the molasses and egg 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 to Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
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 cooled, decorate with your favorite frosting, sprinkles, or candies!
Tips for Extra Delicious Gingerbread Cookies:
- Use good quality spices: The quality of your spices will significantly impact the flavor of your cookies.
- Don't overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and hard. Start checking for doneness around 8 minutes.
- Get creative with decorations: Let your creativity shine with different frostings, candies, and sprinkles. You can even add a little extra flair with edible glitter!
Enjoy Your Homemade Gingerbread Cookies!
This easy gingerbread cookies recipe is a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. It's simple enough for beginners, yet delicious enough to impress even the most seasoned baker. Share your baking creations and tag us on social media! Happy baking!
