Classic Gingerbread Cookies (Print version)

Warmly spiced with ginger and molasses for a comforting holiday treat.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Optional for Decorating

13 - Royal icing
14 - Sprinkles or colored sugar

# How To Make It:

01 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a large bowl; set aside.
02 - Beat softened butter and brown sugar in another large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
03 - Add egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated.
05 - Divide dough into two discs, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
06 - Heat oven to 350°F; line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disc to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
08 - Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
09 - Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft.
10 - Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.
11 - Once cooled, optionally decorate with royal icing and sprinkles as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These cookies have just the right balance of spices that feels like a comforting secret shared between us friends
  • The soft centers with slightly crisp edges make every bite a nostalgic favorite
02 -
  • Chilling the dough is key to prevent the cookies from spreading too thin while baking
  • Using unsulphured molasses preserves the pure flavor and avoids any bitterness
03 -
  • Whip the butter and sugar long enough to create a light base that makes cookies tender
  • Rolling dough between sheets of parchment paper helps keep your workspace clean and dough smooth

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