There’s something truly special about the aroma of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven – it instantly fills your home with warmth and holiday cheer. These gingerbread cookies are not just delicious but also the perfect treat for decorating with loved ones or indulging in a cozy moment by yourself. So, let’s dive into making The Best Gingerbread Cookies!
Ingredients:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set the dry ingredients aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using a hand mixer or a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough seems too sticky, you can add a little more flour until it becomes easier to handle.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes – whether classic gingerbread people, stars, or hearts.
7. Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and just starting to brown. Be careful not to overbake, as you want them to remain soft and chewy.
9. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, you can either enjoy the cookies as they are or get creative with decorating using icing, sprinkles, or candies.
These gingerbread cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, thoughtful gifts, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself. Let the warm spices and nostalgia of gingerbread fill your home and hearts with joy this season. Embrace the tradition of baking these delightful cookies and create lasting memories with those you love.
