There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies to bring on the holiday spirit. Sweet, spiced, and deeply nostalgic, these cookies are perfect for decorating, gifting, or simply enjoying with a warm beverage. With a balance of molasses and spices, they’re chewy, flavorful, and ideal for creating treasured memories in the kitchen. Let’s dive into a recipe that’s easy enough for beginners but yields results worthy of a pro baker.
Servings and Macros
- Yield: About 24 medium cookies (serving size: 1 cookie)
- Calories: 90 per serving
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fats: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 7g
Health Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Molasses: A rich source of iron, calcium, and potassium, molasses adds depth of flavor while providing essential minerals.
- Ginger: This spice has anti-inflammatory properties and aids digestion, bringing warmth and zest to the cookies.
- Cinnamon: Known for its antioxidant properties, cinnamon supports blood sugar regulation and adds a cozy aroma.
- Cloves: These tiny powerhouses are rich in antioxidants and add a distinct, spicy note.
- Butter: Provides creamy richness and is a source of fat-soluble vitamins like A and D.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor and helps maintain moisture in the cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Roll and Cut:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut shapes, transferring them to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between cookies.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate (Optional):
- Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or melted chocolate for a festive touch.
Pairing Recommendations
Wine: A glass of mulled wine with warm spices like cinnamon and clove enhances the flavors of the cookies.
Beer: Pair with a dark stout or a spiced holiday ale to match the gingerbread’s rich and spicy notes.
Cocktails:
- Hot Toddy: A warm mix of whiskey, honey, and lemon pairs beautifully with the cookies’ spices.
- Spiced Rum Eggnog: Creamy, nutmeg-laden eggnog with a splash of spiced rum creates a festive pairing.
- Gingerbread Martini: Combine vodka, coffee liqueur, and gingerbread syrup for a dessert-worthy cocktail.
Non-Alcoholic Options:
- A steaming cup of chai tea latte complements the cookies’ spice profile.
- Sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice and a cinnamon stick makes a refreshing mocktail.
These gingerbread cookies are a celebration of the holidays in every bite. Whether you’re crafting intricate designs or keeping it simple, they’re sure to bring joy to your kitchen and beyond. Bake a batch, share the love, and savor the season!
