Cozy Holiday Gingerbread Cookies: A Nostalgic Delight
Ah, the sweet scent of gingerbread baking in the oven—there’s nothing quite like it during the holiday season. Growing up, my family would gather in the kitchen every December, rolling out dough, chatting, and tugging at our aprons with flour-covered fingers. We always knew it was time to make our favorite holiday treats when the first snowflakes began to fall, dusting our windowsills and blanketing the world outside in a soft, white hush. These cozy Holiday gingerbread cookies are as comforting as that childhood memory, filled with warm spices and just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, they’re perfect for festive cookie exchanges or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These gingerbread cookies come together in no time, making them an excellent choice for a busy holiday season.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Roll, cut, and decorate! This is a fun activity for kids and adults alike, creating lasting memories in the kitchen.
- Warm Spices: Infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, these cookies deliver that quintessential holiday flavor you crave.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in a decorative box to share the holiday spirit with friends and family.
- Versatile Decor: Customize your cookies with different icing designs or festive sprinkles for a personal touch.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to craft your very own cozy Holiday gingerbread cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make it together! Follow these simple steps for divine gingerbread cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The warm glow of the oven will fill your kitchen with cozy anticipation.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Breathe in the wonderful holiday aroma as the spices mingle.
- In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy and light. This process adds an airy lift to your dough—important for that tender bite!
- Beat in the egg, then stir in the molasses and vanilla extract. The mixture should be rich and glossy—almost too tempting to resist!
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. If it feels a bit sticky, that’s okay—just be patient and let it chill!
- Divide your dough into two equal parts, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to roll.
- Roll out one portion of dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes.
- Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The scent wafting through your home will feel like a warm hug!
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating with icing and sprinkles.
Delicious Variations to Try
Let your creativity shine! Here are some fun ways to customize your gingerbread cookies:
- Citrus Zest Infusion: Add a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest for a zesty twist that brightens the flavors.
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Fold in a handful of holiday-themed chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent addition.
- Nutty Goodness: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunchy texture.
- Iced Gingerbread Cutouts: Use royal icing to decorate them, making each cookie a unique work of art.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your gingerbread cookies turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Make-Ahead Advice: The dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just wrap it tightly in plastic!
- Easily Storable: Baked cookies can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for about one week, maintaining freshness.
- Slicing Trick: When rolling the dough, keep it between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Icing Application: If you want a smoother finish on your icing, add a few drops of water to thin the consistency for easy piped designs.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Per serving (1 cookie):
- Calories: 120
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 45mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to one week, and the cookies can be made in advance and stored properly!
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap molasses for honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
- How do I store leftovers? Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for the best flavor.
- How long does it last? These cookies can last in the freezer for up to three months if stored in a sealed container.
Wrapping It Up
These cozy Holiday gingerbread cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a warm slice of nostalgia that beckons memories of laughter and love in the kitchen. As you bake this delightful recipe, cherish those moments and share them with the ones you love. Save this Pin by K. Friend on Recipes to Cook | Holiday baking recipes, Cookies recipes Holiday, Winter baking to your holiday baking board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking!
Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy and light.
- Beat in the egg, then stir in the molasses and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
- Divide your dough into two equal parts, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Baking
- Roll out one portion of dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes.
- Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating with icing and sprinkles.
