Gingerbread Cookies

Classic gingerbread cookies are crisp-edged, warmly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, and sturdy enough to hold intricate shapes and royal icing decoration. They're a Christmas baking tradition perfect for gingerbread men, houses, or ornaments.

By YumYum Editorial · Holiday & Seasonal

Prep: 30 min · Cook: 12 min · Total: 42 min · Serves 24

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• to taste Royal icing, for decorating (optional)

Instructions

1. Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a bowl; set aside.
2. In a stand mixer, cream butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla until fully combined.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until a firm dough forms.
5. Divide dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
7. Transfer cookies to parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes until set and just firm at the edges.
8. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating with royal icing.