Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

Why did the gingerbread man join the gym? To work on his cookie strength! If you’re looking for the best gingerbread cookies this holiday season, you’ve found them. Soft, spiced, and irresistibly festive, these Christmas cookies are a must for Christmas baking. Decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or even tiny candy eyes—because nothing says holiday treats like a squad of adorable (or slightly deranged) gingerbread people.

Prep Time

• 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)

Cook Time

• 10 minutes per batch

Servings

• Makes about 24 cookies

Nutrition (per cookie)

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 4g
• Carbs: 20g
• Protein: 1g

Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookies

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Gingerbread Cookies

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar

Beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.

Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mix. Stir until dough forms. (If it sticks, just pretend it’s a spa treatment for your hands.)

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour. This prevents cookie spread—because flat gingerbread men are sad gingerbread men.

Step 5: Roll & Cut Shapes

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use Christmas cookie cutters for fun shapes. (If dough cracks, just smoosh it back together—gingerbread is forgiving.)

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place cookies on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool before decorating—unless you like icing that melts into a gooey mess.

Step 7: Decorate Your Gingerbread Cookies

Now for the fun part! Use royal icing, sprinkles, or candy to bring your cookies to life. Want tips on how to decorate gingerbread cookies? Get creative—give them scarves, buttons, or even tiny Santa hats!

FAQs About Gingerbread Cookies

❄ Can dogs eat gingerbread cookies?
No! Gingerbread contains spices and sugar that are bad for dogs. Stick to dog-friendly treats instead.

❄ How long do gingerbread cookies last?
Store in an airtight container for up to a week (if they survive that long).

❄ Can I freeze gingerbread cookie dough?
Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw before rolling.

Final Tips for the Best Christmas Cookies

• Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
• If dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
• For extra shine, brush baked cookies with a light corn syrup glaze.

Now go forth and bake the most adorable gingerbread cookies of the season! (And if one goes missing… blame Santa.) 🎄🍪

Pinterest-Worthy Tip: Pin this recipe for your next Christmas baking session—your future self will thank you when the cookie cravings hit!

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Gingerbread Cookies

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

These gingerbread cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with warm spices—crisp at the edges, tender in the middle, and just sweet enough to make you sneak a second (or third). The rich molasses depth and cozy cinnamon-ginger kick will have you reaching for more, whether they’re decorated or straight off the tray. Perfect with milk, coffee, or… let’s be honest, eaten in secret by the light of the fridge

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Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Whisk dry ingredients – Flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside.
2. Cream butter & sugar – Beat until fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla.
3. Mix wet + dry – Stir until dough forms (sticky hands = extra love).
4. Chill 1 hour – Prevents cookie flattening (no pancake gingerbread!).
5. Roll & cut shapes – ¼-inch thick, festive cutters (cracks? Just press back).
6. Bake 8-10 mins – At 350°F (175°C) until edges are set. Cool before decorating.
7. Go wild decorating – Icing, sprinkles, candy—make them jolly or hilarious!

Pro tip: If icing melts, blame impatience (or Santa’s sneaky taste test). 🎄🍪

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 120Total Fat: 4gCarbohydrates: 20gSugar: 7gProtein: 1g