Gingerbread Cookies The Best Recipe

Published Oct 21, 2024

The Best Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that everyone loves! With the perfect mix of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, they fill your home with an amazing aroma that really gets you in the festive spirit. Whether you’re baking with the kids or getting ready for a holiday party, this easy and foolproof gingerbread cookies recipe is just great for beginners. Plus, making gingerbread man cookies adds a fun twist to the whole experience! These gingerbread cookies have a rich flavor thanks to molasses and dark brown sugar, baking up crisp on the outside while staying slightly chewy inside. And the best part? You can get super creative with festive shapes and decorate your gingerbread cookies with royal icing, making them as pretty as they are tasty. These delicious cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious flavor. Thanks to the rich flavors from molasses and dark brown sugar, these gingerbread cookies hit the perfect sweet-and-spicy balance that’s totally satisfying. Chewy texture. The gingerbread cookies have a crisp outside and a chewy inside, giving you a fun texture with every bite. Beginner-friendly. This gingerbread cookies recipe is super easy and foolproof, making it perfect for beginner bakers who want to enjoy the process without any stress. Consistent results. Even if you’re a beginner, these cookies always come out looking and tasting amazing!

Gingerbread Cookies Recipe Ingredients

Baking soda – helping the cookies rise and become light and fluffy. Flour – gives the cookies structure. Ground ginger – brings that classic warm and spicy flavor that gingerbread lovers crave. Ground cinnamon – adds a sweet, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with the other spices. Unsalted butter – gives the cookies richness and moisture, making them nice and tender. Ground nutmeg – adds a warm, slightly nutty taste that really rounds out the flavor. Black pepper and salt – balance out the sweetness and boost all those yummy spice flavors. Ground cloves – brings a warm, aromatic kick that complements the other spices beautifully. Egg – helps bind everything together and gives the cookies their shape as they bake. Brown sugar – adds sweetness and that rich, caramel-like flavor while keeping the cookies nice and moist. Molasses – gives the cookies a deep, rich flavor and helps them stay chewy. Lemon juice – a little acidity to balance the sweetness and brighten up all the flavors. Confectioner’s sugar – perfect for whipping up royal icing to decorate the gingerbread man cookies and add a touch of sweetness.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.

Helpful Tips For Home Bakers

Make sure to chill your dough for at least an hour before rolling it out. This helps the cookies keep their shape and makes them easier to handle. Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin to stop the dough from sticking while you roll it out. Ovens can be tricky, so check your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. They should be crisp around the edges and just set in the middle. Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and reduces the chance of breakage.

What To Serve With Gingerbread Cookies

This dish is best served as dessert. For easy holiday desserts, I recommend the following recipes. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.