BEST Gingerbread Cookies

These are the BEST gingerbread cookies you’ll ever make! Thick, soft, and chewy, they stay fresh for days. The rich flavor comes from generous amounts of molasses and a blend of warming spices that evoke a cozy holiday spirit. Perfect for festive gatherings or just a sweet treat at home, this recipe will quickly become your favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of molasses and spices creates a mouth-watering taste that everyone loves.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip these cookies up with confidence.
• Versatile Decoration: These cookies are perfect for decorating with icing, making them great for holiday festivities.
• Long-Lasting Freshness: They maintain their soft texture for days, so you can enjoy them longer.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas or a cozy winter night, these cookies fit right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking the BEST gingerbread cookies, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand ensures smooth preparation and baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly, which is key to achieving the right texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time you bake.
• Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy surface for cookies to bake evenly without sticking.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough to an even thickness, crucial for uniform cookie shapes.

Ingredients

These are the BEST gingerbread cookies because they’re thick, soft, and chewy while lasting that way for days. The flavor is incredibly rich thanks to tons of molasses and spices that bring in a cozy holiday feel.

Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, room temp
– 6 tbsp vegetable shortening
– 3/4 cup (150g) dark brown sugar, packed
– 1 tbsp vanilla extract
– 1 large egg
– 3/4 cup (250g) unsulphured molasses
– 1 tbsp ground ginger
– 2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp kosher salt
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
– 1/4 tsp ground clove
– 3 1/2 cups (450g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
– 1 1/2 cups (165g) powdered sugar
– 6-8 tsp water
– 1 tsp corn syrup
– Gel food coloring (optional)

How to Make BEST Gingerbread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Begin by creaming together the unsalted butter and vegetable shortening in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the dark brown sugar and mix until well combined. Then incorporate the vanilla extract and egg until fully blended.

Step 2: Incorporate Molasses and Spices

Gradually mix in the unsulphured molasses followed by ground ginger, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, baking soda, cream of tartar, and ground clove. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Add Flour Gradually

Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the mixture one cup at a time. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overwork the dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour to firm up.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Once chilled, turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes as desired.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Place cookie shapes onto prepared baking sheets. Bake in preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until edges are firm but centers remain soft.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Once completely cool, decorate as desired!

How to Serve BEST Gingerbread Cookies

These delicious gingerbread cookies are perfect for any festive occasion. They can be enjoyed in various ways, adding a cozy touch to your gatherings and celebrations.

With Hot Beverages

• Hot Chocolate – Pair these cookies with rich hot chocolate for a comforting treat.
• Spiced Tea – Enjoy the warmth of spiced tea alongside your gingerbread cookies for a delightful experience.
• Coffee – The bold flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Cookies – Include an assortment of cookies like sugar cookies or oatmeal raisin for variety.
• Fruit Tartlets – Add mini fruit tartlets for a refreshing contrast to the spiced flavors of gingerbread.
• Chocolate Truffles – Rich chocolate truffles make a decadent addition alongside your cookies.

Decoratively

• Cookie Decorating Station – Set up a fun decorating station with icing and sprinkles for guests, especially kids, to create their own designs.
• Gift Packaging – Wrap them in festive packaging as thoughtful gifts for friends and family during the holidays.

How to Perfect BEST Gingerbread Cookies

To ensure you achieve the best results with your gingerbread cookie recipe, consider these helpful tips:

• Bold Chilling Time – Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling out. This helps maintain shape while baking.
• Bold Use Fresh Spices – Always use fresh ground spices for maximum flavor. Old spices can lose their potency.
• Bold Measure Ingredients Accurately – Use a kitchen scale to measure flour and sugars properly; this ensures consistent results every time.
• Bold Keep Oven Temperature Steady – Preheat your oven thoroughly to ensure even baking and avoid spreading.
• Bold Store Properly – Keep baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness and chewiness.

Best Side Dishes for BEST Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies pair wonderfully with various dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here’s a list of great side dishes to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the spices in gingerbread.
2. Caramel Sauce – Drizzle warm caramel sauce over cookies for added sweetness and richness.
3. Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy whipped cream makes a great accompaniment, serving as a cool contrast.
4. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and acidity that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
5. Cheese Platter – Offer sharp cheeses like aged cheddar, which pairs well with the warm flavors of gingerbread.
6. Nut Mixes – Crunchy nut mixes provide texture and a savory element that enhances each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the BEST gingerbread cookies, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the Chilling Process: Chilling the dough is crucial for better texture and easier handling. Be sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Incorrectly Measuring Flour: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Always spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
• Using Fresh Spices: Stale spices can dull the flavor of your cookies. Make sure your spices are fresh for the best taste.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in a cold oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure consistent baking results.
• Overbaking: Gingerbread cookies should be soft when you take them out of the oven. Keep an eye on them and remove them once they start to firm up.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing BEST Gingerbread Cookies

• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating BEST Gingerbread Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds per cookie.
• Stovetop: Place a skillet on low heat, add a cookie, and cover until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the BEST gingerbread cookies:

How do I achieve a chewy texture in my BEST Gingerbread Cookies?

To get that chewy texture, make sure not to overbake the cookies. Remove them from the oven while they are still soft in the center.

Can I make these gingerbread cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a flaxseed egg instead of a regular egg for a vegan version of these BEST gingerbread cookies.

What spices work best in gingerbread cookies?

In addition to ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, you can experiment with nutmeg or allspice for added warmth and flavor in your BEST gingerbread cookies.

How should I decorate my BEST Gingerbread Cookies?

You can use royal icing or fondant for decoration. Add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for festive flair!

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup as long as it includes xanthan gum.

Final Thoughts

These BEST gingerbread cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, dried fruits, or different spices according to your preference. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave that warm, spicy flavor!