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Classic Gingerbread Cookies

Close-up of a stack of homemade gingerbread cookies, showcasing their texture and golden-brown color.
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Bake perfect gingerbread cookies that hold their shape for decorating. This recipe yields crisp yet tender cut-outs, ideal for Christmas traditions and cookie houses.

Ingredients

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  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup unsulfured molasses
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg until well combined.
  4. Stir in the molasses and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft.
  6. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  9. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters. Carefully transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
  10. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. For crisper cookies, bake a minute or two longer.
  11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Decorate with royal icing once fully cooled.

Notes

  • For a softer cookie, reduce baking time slightly.
  • Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for best results when creaming.
  • Chill the dough sufficiently to make it easier to handle and cut.
  • For shiny royal icing, ensure your ingredients are measured accurately and the icing is mixed to the correct consistency.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/gingerbread-cookies/