Easy Christmas Gingerbread Cookies: A Taste of Tradition
Share
Step into the enchanting world of holiday baking with this classic and easy-to-followChristmas Cookies recipe. As the festive season unfolds, what better way to celebrate than by filling your home with the rich aromas of ginger and cinnamon.?
Whether continuing a cherished family tradition or starting a new one, these Christmas gingerbread cookies are the perfect project. Imagine rolling out the spiced dough, the little ones eagerly selecting their favorite cookie cutters, and the whole family gathered around, laughing and decorating each piece with love and creativity. These Christmas cookies aren't just about the taste; they're about the memories you create as you bake and share them.
This recipe is designed for bakers of all skill levels. It's a fantastic way to introduce children to the joys of baking, as the steps are easy to follow, and the results are incredibly rewarding. The decorating part is particularly fun, allowing everyone to express their creativity with icing, sprinkles, and various festive decorations.
So, put on your favorite Christmas tunes, gather your baking tools, and create the best gingerbread cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat. These Christmas cookies will surely be the star of your holiday table, bringing smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. Let the baking begin!
These Christmas cookies aren't just about the taste; they're about the memories you create as you bake and share them.
Author:
Alison Pedler
Ingredients
3 cups of all-purpose flour
1 1/2 of teaspoons of baking powder
3/4 teaspoon of baking soda
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of ground ginger
1 3/4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
3/4 cup of dark brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 of cup molasses
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (optional)
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well blended.
In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and egg on medium speed until well blended.
Add molasses, vanilla, and lemon zest and continue to mix until well blended.
Gradually stir in dry ingredients until smooth.
Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and let stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours. (Dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Return to room temperature before using.)
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
Place one portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle flour over dough and rolling pin. Roll dough to a 1/4-inch thick. Use additional flour to avoid sticking.
Cut out cookies with desired cutter—the gingerbread man is classic.
Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets and bake for 7-10 minutes (the lower time for softer cookies, longer for crisp cookies).
After baking, cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cookies are cooled, decorate them with royal icing, candies, and sprinkles as desired.
Recipe Note
If molasses is not available or you prefer to use sugar, you can try the following adjustment:
Replace the molasses with an equal amount of brown sugar. This will still change the flavor profile somewhat, but brown sugar, which contains molasses, will come closer to the original taste than white sugar.
Keep in mind that this substitution may alter the texture of the dough and the final cookies. They might be lighter in color and lack some of the classic gingerbread flavors. It's always best to use molasses if possible, for authentic Christmas gingerbread cookies.
