Classic Christmas Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

These classic Christmas gingerbread cookies are a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. With a blend of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, they offer a delightful flavor that captures the essence of Christmas.

The recipe is simple and fun, making it a great activity for families. You can decorate these cookies with icing and candies to create beautiful holiday designs.

Creating a Festive Atmosphere

Gingerbread cookies are synonymous with the holiday season, bringing warmth and cheer to any gathering. Their delightful aroma fills the air, evoking memories of family traditions and festive celebrations.

When arranged on a rustic wooden table, these cookies become a centerpiece that invites everyone to indulge. The combination of colorful icing and assorted candies adds a playful touch, making them visually appealing and perfect for sharing.

Shapes and Designs

The classic shapes of stars, trees, and gingerbread men like these Ann Clark Cutters on Amazon adds to the charm of these cookies. Each shape offers a unique canvas for decoration, allowing creativity to shine through.

Using royal icing, you can create intricate designs or simple patterns, while candies can be used to add pops of color and texture. This decorating process is not only fun but also a wonderful way to engage with family and friends during the holiday season.

Ingredients That Bring Joy

The magic of gingerbread cookies lies in their ingredients. A blend of warm spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a comforting flavor profile that is quintessentially festive.

With basic pantry staples like flour, butter, and molasses, making these cookies is accessible for everyone. The addition of brown sugar lends a rich sweetness, enhancing the overall taste and texture.

A Quick and Enjoyable Baking Experience

Preparing gingerbread cookies is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. The dough requires chilling, which allows for easy handling when rolling out and cutting into shapes.

With a total baking time of around 10 minutes, you can quickly fill your home with the delightful scent of freshly baked cookies, making it an enjoyable experience for bakers of all ages.

Perfect for Sharing and Gifting

These gingerbread cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting during the holiday season. Their festive appearance and delightful taste make them a thoughtful present for friends, neighbors, or colleagues.

Consider packaging them in decorative boxes or tins, adding a personal touch that shows you care. Whether enjoyed at home or given as gifts, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer.

Creating Lasting Memories

Baking and decorating gingerbread cookies can become a cherished tradition for families. Gathering in the kitchen to create these festive treats fosters connection and joy.

As you share stories and laughter while decorating, you create lasting memories that will be treasured for years to come. This simple act of baking together can strengthen bonds and bring everyone closer during the holiday season.

Easy Gingerbread Cookies for the Holidays

This gingerbread cookie recipe yields soft and flavorful cookies that can be cut into various shapes. The dough requires chilling before rolling out, and the cookies bake in about 10 minutes, making it a quick and enjoyable holiday baking experience.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Royal icing for decoration (optional)
• Assorted candies for decoration (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
4. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Decorate: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing and candies as desired.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories: 120kcal
• Fat: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 18g