Description
Homemade gingerbread cookies bring festive cheer from German holiday traditions. Warm spices and molasses create a comforting treat that connects families through sweet seasonal memories.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) brown sugar
- 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (170 grams) molasses
- 1 large egg
Spices:
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, blending flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly integrated.
- In a separate container, cream butter until smooth and fluffy, then incorporate molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until achieving a consistent texture.
- Gradually fold dry mixture into wet ingredients, stirring consistently to form a cohesive dough that pulls away from bowl edges.
- Dust work surface with flour and roll out dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness, ensuring even distribution.
- Select festive cookie cutters and press firmly into rolled dough, transferring delicate shapes onto parchment-lined baking sheets with gentle precision.
- Arrange cookie shapes with slight spacing to allow for potential spreading during baking process.
- Place sheets in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for slightly firm edges and light golden coloration.
- Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on wire rack before applying decorative elements or storing in airtight container.
Notes
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie shapes.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture throughout the dough.
- Swap molasses with maple syrup for a lighter flavor profile if you prefer a less intense taste.
- For gluten-free options, replace wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cookie’s traditional texture and spice balance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 114
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 131 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg