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–+ servings
Close-up of a freshly baked gingerbread man cookie on parchment paper
Callie Brooks

Gingerbread Cookies

Soft, warmly spiced, and perfect for decorating, these gingerbread cookies are a cozy holiday classic. With molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, each bite delivers festive flavor and nostalgia.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • electric mixer
  • parchment paper
  • Rolling Pin
  • cookie cutters
  • baking sheet
  • wire rack

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add molasses, vanilla, and egg to the mixture. Mix until smooth and glossy.
  3. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mix, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until dough forms.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough between parchment sheets to 1/4 inch thickness.
  6. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets.
  7. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set. Cool for 2 minutes on sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
  8. Optional: Decorate with icing once completely cooled.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 60mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 150IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.8mg

Notes

Chill the dough for cleaner shapes. Use fresh spices for bold flavor. Try the no-chill method if you're short on time. These cookies are freezer-friendly and ideal for gifting or decorating with kids.

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