I
n the West, gingerbread is synonymous with the holidays, when its pleasant, bright spiciness becomes the impetus for playful, family traditions such as adorning men in dazzling get-ups and building elaborate houses. But the treat’s roots as a foundational piece of celebrations seems to date all the way back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, who featured a rudimentary form of the cookie at various ceremonies. Ginger came to Europe via the Crusades in the 11th century. While its concord with a rich bread dough quickly became apparent across the Continent, it is believed that it took until the reign of Queen Elizabeth I for it to assume its now-familiar anthropomorphic form, as the Virgin Queen is rumored to have had her favorite courtiers rendered in gingerbread.
The holiday season isn’t complete without the comforting aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies filling the house. These timeless cookies bring warmth and joy, perfect for cozy family moments or gifting to friends and loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this gingerbread cookie recipe is simple yet packed with all the festive flavors you love.
The Magic of Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies have been a holiday favorite for centuries, with their roots tracing back to medieval Europe. Spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re a holiday tradition. Plus, they’re fun to decorate! From classic gingerbread men to intricately decorated shapes, gingerbread cookies are as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the taste buds.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2/3 cup molasses
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- royal icing
- 3 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk
Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Butter – This helps the dough mix more evenly and gives your cookies a light, crisp texture.
- Chill the Dough – Letting the dough chill for at least an hour keeps it from sticking and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Bake for Texture – For softer cookies, bake until edges are just starting to set. For crispier cookies, add 1–2 more minutes.
Recipe Instructions
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Prep the Dough
- Place the butter and brown sugar in the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat at low speed until combined. Increase the speed to high and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the molasses, egg, baking soda, ginger, apple pie spice, salt, vanilla, and pepper and beat for 1 minute. Slowly add the flour to the mixture and beat until the mixture comes together as a stiff dough.
- Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Flatten each piece into a disk and refrigerate for 1 hour. The dough will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Bake & Decorate
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the dough on a flour-dusted work surface and roll to a thickness of ¼ inch. Dip cookie cutters in flour and cut the dough into desired shapes. Transfer the cookies to the baking sheets and bake until firm, about 10 minutes.
- Remove cookies from oven, let rest for 2 minutes, and then set on wire racks to cool completely.
- Decorate with the Royal Icing and candies (if desired).
- To make the royal icing: in the work bowl of a stand mixer, combine the confectioners’ sugar, butter, and vanilla and beat on low speed, gradually incorporating milk, until you reach the desired consistency.
Fun Decorating Ideas
- Classic Gingerbread Men – Use icing to draw little faces, buttons, and clothes. Let the kids join in for a fun holiday activity!
- Snowflakes & Stars – Dust with powdered sugar for a “snowy” look or use white icing to create intricate designs.
- Personalized Gift Tags – Punch a hole in the top before baking, then string with ribbon for edible gift tags or ornaments.
These gingerbread cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday gatherings, whether you’re snacking, decorating, or sharing them as gifts. Try this recipe to bring a little extra sweetness to the season. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious moment!
For more recipes like this, be sure to check out The Encyclopedia of Cookies with over 500 tasty recipes for cookie lovers of all ages. Whether you want to whip up a quick treat to take the edge off a long day or dazzle everyone at your holiday swap, simple recipes centered around pantry staples and tried-and-true techniques in The Encyclopedia of Cookies guarantee that you’ll rise to the occasion.
