Holiday Recipe: Gingerbread Cookies – A Classic Holiday Treat

Why Gingerbread Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite (and How to Make Them Even More Special!)

Gingerbread cookies are the ultimate festive treat, filled with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. They’re easy to make, and you can decorate them however you like – perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Whether you prefer soft or crispy cookies, this recipe is versatile enough to satisfy everyone’s tastes.

Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

This simple recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside. 
2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. 
3. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough forms.
4. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to roll out.
5. Roll and cut: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
6. Bake: Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden at the edges. Let them cool on a wire rack.
7. Decorate: Once cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or candy as desired.

Decorating Gingerbread Cookies

Get creative with your gingerbread cookies! Use royal icing to pipe designs, add sprinkles for a festive touch, or decorate with candy for extra sweetness. You can also try fondant shapes for a polished look.

Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cookies

• For soft cookies, bake them just until the edges turn golden.
• Chilling the dough helps prevent cookies from spreading too much.
• Let the icing fully set before storing or stacking cookies.

This holiday season, take your gingerbread cookies to the next level with a personal and festive touch! Perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, thoughtful holiday gifts, or cozy winter baking sessions, these homemade cookies are guaranteed to impress. Get creative with your gingerbread cookie decorating—add icing designs, sprinkles, and unique details that make each treat stand out. Looking to elevate your holiday dessert table even more? SmartPack USA offers custom-printed holiday picks, napkins, and eco-friendly cutlery that pair perfectly with your baked goods. Shop now and enjoy 15% off custom items this December using the code FESTIVEFUN15. Make your holiday celebrations unforgettable! Happy baking and happy holidays!