BEST Gingerbread Cookies

These are the BEST gingerbread cookies you’ll ever make! Thick, soft, and chewy, they stay delicious for days. With a rich blend of molasses and spices, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Whether you’re decorating them with icing or enjoying them plain, this recipe will become your go-to for festive treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of molasses and spices creates a rich taste that feels just like the holidays.
• Soft Texture: These cookies remain soft and chewy even after a few days, making them perfect for snacking.
• Versatile: Great for decorating with icing or enjoying as is; you can customize them however you like!
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for cookie exchanges or holiday parties—everyone will love them!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes baking smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently; having multiple sizes helps with different stages of the recipe.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking cookies evenly; ensure it fits in your oven!

Ingredients

These are the BEST gingerbread cookies because they’re thick, soft and chewy and last that way for days. The flavor is also incredibly rich, using tons of molasses and spices to bring in that cozy holiday feel. It will definitely be your new go-to recipe!

For the Dough

• 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

For Decorating

• 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 the Dough

Start by creaming together the unsalted butter and vegetable shortening in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add in the dark brown sugar and mix well. Beat in the vanilla extract and egg until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Add Molasses and Spices

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

Step 3: Incorporate Flour

Slowly add the all-purpose flour into the mixture. Mix until a thick dough forms. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out your chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.

Step 5: Bake

Place cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 8 minutes or until edges are firm but centers are still soft. Let cool completely before decorating.

With these steps completed, you’ll have delicious gingerbread cookies ready to enjoy or share!

How to Serve BEST Gingerbread Cookies

The BEST gingerbread cookies are perfect for various occasions, from holiday parties to cozy family gatherings. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Hot Beverages

• Hot Chocolate – Pair these cookies with a rich hot chocolate for a comforting treat on chilly days.
• Spiced Tea – The warmth of spiced tea complements the flavors of ginger and molasses beautifully.
• Coffee – Enjoy them alongside your favorite brew for a delightful morning or afternoon pick-me-up.

As Festive Gifts

• Gift Boxes – Packging these cookies in decorative boxes makes a lovely homemade gift for friends and family during the holidays.
• Cookie Jars – Layering the cookies in clear jars adds a beautiful touch, making it an enticing gift idea.

For Decorating

• Family Activity – Set up a decorating station with icing and sprinkles for a fun family activity that kids will love.
• Holiday Parties – Use them as festive decorations on dessert tables, adding color and flavor to your spread.

How to Perfect BEST Gingerbread Cookies

To make sure your gingerbread cookies turn out just right, follow these handy tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensuring butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smooth dough that mixes evenly.
• Chill the Dough – After mixing, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be soft when taken out of the oven, as they will firm up as they cool.
• Experiment with Spices – Feel free to adjust the amounts of ginger, cinnamon, or add nutmeg for more flavor depth according to your taste.

Best Side Dishes for BEST Gingerbread Cookies

These gingerbread cookies can be enjoyed with various delightful side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great pairings.

1. Cranberry Sauce – The tartness of cranberry sauce balances the sweetness of gingerbread perfectly.
2. Cream Cheese Frosting – A rich cream cheese frosting adds a creamy texture that complements the spices well.
3. Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the dense cookie texture.
4. Cheese Platter – Pairing with mild cheeses like brie adds an interesting savory element to your dessert.
5. Yogurt Parfait – Layer crumbled gingerbread cookies with yogurt and berries for a delicious breakfast or snack option.
6. Ice Cream Sundae – Crushed gingerbread cookies make an excellent topping for vanilla ice cream sundaes, adding crunch and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making gingerbread cookies can be a joy, but small mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling your dough is essential for shaping. If you skip this step, the cookies may spread too much during baking.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much or too little flour can alter the texture. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft and chewy texture.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrectly set oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for best results.
• Neglecting spice freshness: Old spices can dull the flavor of your cookies. Check your spices and replace them if they’re past their prime.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing BEST Gingerbread Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating BEST Gingerbread Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes for softness.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan on low heat for a couple of minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I achieve soft gingerbread cookies?

To ensure soft cookies, avoid overbaking them and allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Can I make these gingerbread cookies vegan?

You can substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement.

How do I decorate my BEST Gingerbread Cookies?

Use royal icing or fondant. You can also add gel food coloring for fun designs that will bring your cookies to life.

What makes these the BEST Gingerbread Cookies?

The combination of rich molasses, spices, and the right texture makes these cookies delightful and perfect for any holiday gathering.

Final Thoughts

The BEST gingerbread cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Customize them with your favorite spices or decorations to make them truly unique. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up, they’re sure to become a beloved treat in your home!