Easy Gingerbread Cookies Recipe – Perfect Christmas Gift Idea
These Easy Gingerbread Cookies are a holiday favorite, and they make the perfect Christmas gift. The warm spices, like ginger and cinnamon, fill your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also fun to decorate! Whether you keep them simple or add intricate icing designs, they’ll bring a festive touch to your holiday table. Moreover, they’re great for gifting—wrap them in a cute box, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade present. Perfect for cookie exchanges or as a sweet surprise for friends and family!
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Perfectly Spiced – A delicious blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for that classic gingerbread flavor.
- Soft and Chewy – The cookies have a soft center with slightly crisp edges, making them irresistible.
- Easy to Decorate – The sturdy dough is perfect for cutting into shapes and decorating with icing.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare the dough ahead of time, making holiday baking stress-free.
- Great for Gifting – These cookies hold their shape and make beautiful, thoughtful holiday gifts.
Key Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour – The base for the cookies, giving them structure.
- Ground Ginger – Essential for that classic gingerbread flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth to the spice mix.
- Ground Cloves – A strong, aromatic spice that complements the ginger and cinnamon.
- Molasses – Provides the rich, deep flavor and signature color.
- Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a bit of moisture to the dough.
- Butter – Gives the cookies their soft and chewy texture.
- Egg – Helps bind the dough together for perfect baking consistency.
- Baking Soda – Ensures the cookies rise just enough for a soft texture.
Chefs Helpful Tips
- Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour makes it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
- Use Parchment Paper – Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Even Thickness – Roll the dough to a uniform thickness to ensure even baking.
- Don’t Overbake – Remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers are still soft for a chewy texture.
- Let Cool Before Decorating – Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding any icing or decorations.
- Store Properly – Store in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh for up to a week.
- Make Extra Icing – Prepare more icing than you think you’ll need; it’s always helpful to have on hand for decorating!
Recipes You'll Enjoy...
These Easy Gingerbread Cookies are a holiday favorite, and they make the perfect Christmas gift. The warm spices, like ginger and cinnamon, fill your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also fun to decorate! Whether you keep them simple or add intricate icing designs, they’ll bring a festive touch to your holiday table. Moreover, they’re great for gifting—wrap them in a cute box, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade present. Perfect for cookie exchanges or as a sweet surprise for friends and family!
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Icing and decorations (optional)
- Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough forms. It will be slightly sticky.
- Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll and Cut Shapes
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. Do not overbake.
- Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate (Optional)
Once the cookies are completely cooled, decorate with icing and sprinkles if desired.
- Store
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 150kcal
- Calories from Fat 54kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6g10%
- Saturated Fat 3.5g18%
- Cholesterol 20mg7%
- Sodium 85mg4%
- Potassium 80mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
- Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%
- Sugars 11g
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.