Save This spiced gingerbread features a blend of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, combined with molasses and browned butter. The dough chills before rolling and cutting into festive shapes ideal for decorating. Baking yields a crisp texture that holds well for ornaments or cookies, perfect for holiday celebrations. Finished with royal icing and sprinkles, each piece offers a balanced sweetness with aromatic depth and a satisfying crunch.
Discovering this gingerbread recipe was like unwrapping a little holiday magic in my kitchen. The warm spices and crisp texture quickly made it my go-to for festive treats and making edible decorations that delight both kids and adults alike.
I remember the first time unexpected guests showed up just as I finished baking these, and the house was filled with that amazing gingerbread scent. Serving those crisp, decorated cookies instantly turned the gathering into a warm celebration.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: I use this classic pantry staple because it gives the perfect structure and texture for cookies that hold their shape beautifully
- Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg: These spices bring that festive warmth and depth you want in every bite
- Baking soda and salt: Essential for balance and just enough lift without over-expanding
- Unsalted butter: Softened for creaminess and helps with that delicate crispness
- Dark brown sugar: Adds rich molasses notes that deepen the flavor
- Egg: Binds everything together with just the right tenderness
- Molasses: The secret to that perfect golden color and robust taste
- Vanilla extract: A tiny splash that rounds out all the spices wonderfully
- Royal icing and assorted decorations: Because what's gingerbread without some sparkle and personality?
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. The warm, spicy aromas start to build anticipation.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- Beat softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. You'll see it turn pale and the texture will feel dreamy under your beaters.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until everything blends into a rich, sticky batter with a lovely sheen.
- Combine and Chill:
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture until a soft dough forms. Divide it, flatten into disks, wrap tightly, and chill for at least 45 minutes to firm up the dough for rolling.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper, setting the stage for beautiful cookies.
- Roll and Cut:
- Roll dough to a ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use your favorite cutters to create shapes, feeling the smooth dough give way under your hands.
- Cut Hanging Holes (Optional):
- If you’re making ornaments, gently poke a small hole near the top of each cookie with a straw for hanging later.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are firm and the kitchen fills with that irresistible gingerbread scent. Cool on the sheet briefly, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Decorate:
- Once cool, get creative with royal icing and sprinkles, turning each cookie into a tiny work of art.
Save One holiday season, sharing a box of these spiced, decorated cookies turned a stressful day into a celebrated tradition—reminding me how food quickly becomes more than just sustenance.
Keeping It Fresh
Store your undecorated gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Once decorated, they keep best for 5 to 7 days to enjoy that perfect balance of crispness and flavorful icing.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
I've found these cookies pair beautifully with hot tea or mulled cider. For gifting, wrap a few in parchment with a cinnamon stick, and everyone is sure to feel the warm holiday vibes.
Making It Ahead for the Freezer
This dough freezes wonderfully! After chilling, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then roll and bake as usual—ready for any last-minute cookie cravings.
- Remember to label your dough with the date before freezing.
- If you're short on time, freeze cookie shapes on the baking sheet before decorating.
- Always let decorated cookies fully dry before stacking or packing.
Save Happy baking! I hope these gingerbread moments fill your kitchen with joyful smells and warm memories.
Recipe FAQ
- → What spices give the gingerbread its flavor?
-
Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create the warm, festive spice profile.
- → How do I make the gingerbread crisp for decorations?
-
Bake the cookies 1-2 minutes longer than usual to achieve a crisper texture suitable for ornaments.
- → Can I make this dough gluten-free?
-
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- → What is the purpose of chilling the dough?
-
Chilling firms the dough for easier rolling and cutting, and helps maintain shape during baking.
- → How should decorated pieces be stored?
-
Decorated gingerbread lasts 5-7 days stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness and decoration integrity.
- → What are common decorating options?
-
Royal icing, assorted sprinkles, sugar pearls, and edible glitter are popular choices to embellish the gingerbread.
